The CCI Comfort Crew

Meet Charlie & Cooper - Your New Companions on Every IBD Adventure

Living with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis brings challenges, courage, and countless moments where comfort truly matters. At Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland, we know the value of having someone by your side - someone who understands, someone who stays, someone who makes even the hardest days feel a little lighter. That’s why we created The Comfort Crew.

Charlie the Flare Bear and Cooper the Happy Helper - two heartfelt companions designed to bring comfort, courage, and connection to children, teens, and adults living with IBD.

Now available through our online store, they are ready to join you on every step of your journey.

Meet Charlie the Flare Bear

A proud member of the Comfort Crew - full of courage, compassion, and understanding.

Charlie knows what it feels like to live with IBD. He’s been through flares, hospital stays, the unknowns, and the unexpected. Because of that, he carries a special kind of kindness, the kind that says: “It’s okay. I’m here. You’re not alone.”

Charlie is here to bring comfort on infusion days, to offer a soft squeeze during difficult moments, or simply to sit beside you during a much needed rest. For kids, he becomes a brave friend. For adults, he offers reassurance and grounding on tough days.

Charlie’s mission?
To remind everyone living with IBD that their feelings matter, their bravery shines, and they never walk their path alone.

Meet Cooper - Charlie’s Loyal Helper

A gentle, joyful companion ready to support you wherever you go.

Cooper is Charlie’s right hand pup - full of loyalty, warmth, and a comforting presence. He’s the friend who sits quietly by your side, always ready to bring calm and companionship when it’s needed most.

Whether he’s clipped into a hospital bag, tucked into a school backpack, or perched at home during recovery, Cooper symbolises steady, dependable support.

Cooper’s purpose?
To bring reassurance, lightness, and a sense of calm to people of all ages navigating IBD.

Charlie & Cooper - Better Together

When these two join forces, something special happens. As a duo, they represent the importance of community, connection, and kindness - values at the heart of CCI’s work.

Together they star in “The Adventures of Charlie & Cooper”, a growing initiative celebrating courage, support, and the human spirit behind every IBD story.

You can welcome Charlie, Cooper, or the full Comfort Crew duo into your home today.

The Story Behind the Comfort Crew

How Charlie & Cooper Found Their Way to Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland

Every idea begins with a moment, a spark, and for the Comfort Crew, that spark began long before Charlie and Cooper ever arrived at CCI.

When Interim COO Victoria Spillane was a child living with IBD, hospital days were frightening, lonely, and often filled with long stretches of waiting, wondering, and hoping. But there was one thing she could always count on: a teddy bear from a loved one for every single day she spent in hospital.

Each bear became a little guardian, a friend she could hold tight when things hurt, a soft reminder that someone cared, and a comforting presence during some of the hardest moments of her childhood. And to this day, even as an adult navigating flare-ups, Victoria still finds comfort in having a teddy nearby. Some things never stop helping.

Those early memories stayed with her - the feeling of being understood, supported, and never truly alone. And that feeling became the heart of the Comfort Crew.

How Charlie & Cooper Came Into the Story

One day, during a routine clinic appointment, Victoria stumbled across a little bear sitting quietly in the waiting room - Charlie. He looked like he knew exactly what that room felt like: the nerves, the patience, the bravery. He told her (as bears sometimes do when the moment is right) that he was waiting to see the doctor too - because flare days happen to bears as well!

Outside the room, sitting patiently with a wagging tail and hopeful eyes, was Cooper, Charlie’s loyal doggo companion. He said he always waits for Charlie, because no one should face an appointment alone - not even a brave bear.

As they chatted, Charlie and Cooper shared something that made perfect sense:

• They wanted to help others feel supported too.
• They wanted to comfort children, teenagers, and adults living with IBD.
• They wanted to remind people that courage comes in many shapes - sometimes furry, sometimes fluffy, but always real.

And just like that, The Adventures of Charlie & Cooper "The Comfort Crew" were born.

We’re now inviting everyone across the country to share their adventures, big or small, with Charlie and Cooper!

Whether you’re:

• Out and about
• Resting at home
• In school, college, or work
• At the hospital or clinic
• Travelling
• Or simply taking a quiet moment of comfort

Join the Movement: #MyComfortCrew

Snap a photo with your Comfort Crew companions and share it with the hashtag: #MyComfortCrew

Your photos help create awareness, connection, and community, reminding others that none of us walk this journey alone.

We’ll be featuring selected photos on our website and social channels to celebrate our wonderful IBD community.

The Importance of the Comfort Crew

The emotional impact of living with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis is often overlooked. At CCI, we believe that every person (child, teen, or adult) deserves support, softness, and a sense of belonging.

The Comfort Crew was created to:

• Offer emotional comfort on harder days
• Support children adjusting to diagnosis
• Ease anxiety during hospital visits
• Promote connection and understanding
• Celebrate the strength of our community
• Remind everyone that support is always within reach

Charlie and Cooper are now available exclusively through the Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland online store.

- Visit: www.crohnscolitis.ie/shop
- Choose Charlie, Cooper, or the full duo
- Give yourself or a loved one the gift of comfort and companionship!