The Dirty on the Great Bowel Movement

What is the Great Bowel Movement?
We're everyday people on a mission: IBD Awareness

There is a great big IBD community out there. There are educators, healthcare providers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, athletes, campers, and all around heroes. There are lots of great causes, organizations, and charities.

Why are we different?

We're not just the GBM founders. We're me, and you, and your family, and your friends, and your doctors, and everyone aruond us. We're here to use the strength and size of the IBD community to make some noise. We're a grassroots movement of everyday people with different experiences, but a collective story to share with the world.
That means me, and you, and other patients, and our friends and family and coworkers and doctors and classmates and more.

So stand up for your disease.

Be proud of your journey. Share your story Reach out to those around you. Find others in your life with Crohn's or Colitis. Who do you know? Join together. Spread awareness.

We are The Great Bowel Movement for Crohn's and Colitis Awareness.



Need some more nitty gritty on the Great Bowel Movement?


The Great Bowel Movement Mission and Goals

The Great Bowel Movement for Crohn's and Colitis Awareness is a registered non-profit organization. Our mission of awareness is supported by the following goals: To spread awareness by drawing on the presence of 1.4 million Americans with IBD, as well as the others in their lives that are affected; To empower patients to not be ashamed of their diseases, and to provide the tools to inspire the courage to share stories; and To draw on the fact that so many people are patients of this disease, by finding new people in our communities with IBD by inquiring, "Who do YOU know with Crohn's or Colitis?" These elements, working together, will bring awareness through a grassroots movement of everyday people, coming together for a louder voice of awareness.

Who is behind the Great Bowel Movement?

The Great Bowel Movement was founded by two friends, one with Crohn's disease, and one with Colitis. It is driven by the pure passion and experience of the journey of disease, and personal experiences in IBD awareness and advocacy. GBM is not founded or backed by corporations, large foundations, or pharmaceudical companies. We do support other efforts for awareness, after all, awareness benefits us all.

Where does the money go?

Each fiscal quarter, we run a poll on Facebook to let members of our community choose their favorite IBD charity. 10% of all t-shirt and hoodie sales go to that charity, and each three months we open up a new poll for a new charity. Charities may only win once per year. Anyone may nominate their charity to be a part of the poll, as long as it is IBD related. Read the announcement for more details.

Other revenue covers general costs such as: website, advertising, promotions, and general administrative expenses. We are a registered non-profit in the state of Illinois, but we're really operating as no-profit, all-awareness.

What is the Great Bowel Movement NOT?

>We're not education experts. While we'll have basic information to promote awareness, we're not equipped to give sound medical advice. Recommendations of treatments, medications, surgeries, etc. may be shared by others, and are merely a portrayal of another's experience. Your gastroenterologist is still your best source for medical advice.

We're also not backed by a particular organization, event, or charity. We're not a front for pharmaceuticals or corporations. We're not fundraising for a particular cause. We are involved in many of these things, just as many of our members are. We cherish our relationships and respect others' missions. We can provide valuable resources and links to these organizations.

We're the Great Bowel Movement for Crohn's and Colitis Awareness!