SURREY - On June 8, nearly 15,000 Canadians will unite for the 19th annual Gutsy Walk - and walk toward a future without Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Surrey's Bear Creek Park is among the event sites that day for a five-kilometre walk.The national fundraising goal is $3 million to help advance medical research of Crohn's and colitis, a disorder that causes the intestines to become inflamed and ulcerated. These lifelong diseases cause internal bleeding, ulcers and severe malnutrition, resulting in excruciating pain, urgent bathroom visits, possible hospital stays and multiple surgeries.Recent studies have revealed that these illnesses are on the rise in Canadian children, and are especially prominent in first-generation South Asians.The first Gutsy Walk was held in 1994 at a handful of locations; today, events are held at 59 sites across Canada.Members of a Surrey chapter plan the event at Bear Creek Park as "a fun and healthy way to support those in our community living with Crohn's and colitis."This year's walk will feature music by Langley Ukulele Ensemble, and Nature's Fare Markets' will provide complimentary organic and gluten-free lunches to all participants.A special guest at the event will be honorary chair Clara Jacobs, 8, whose Gutsy Walk team as has a goal of raising $5,500.On June 8, registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Bear Creek Park. Close to 300 participants are expected to register for the event. To get involved, visit Gutsywalk.ca.