The guts to keep marching

The second annual Gutsy Walk took place recently at the Brodie-Winchester pathway near the skate park. The Gutsy Walk is a fundraising effort across Canada to continue research programs that will eventually put an end to Crohn’s Disease and Colitis. Andrew Ross, a Grade 7 student and a resident of Yorkton, has always attended the walks as well as an advocate for those suffering in silence. Sunday was no exception as Ross not only walked the walk, but raised $5,905 for this event alone.

Crohn’s Disease is named after the doctor who first described it in 1932. Inflammation that strikes anywhere in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from mouth to anus, are indicative of the disease. Commonly, however, inflammation is usually located at the lower part of the small bowel and the upper end of the colon. It can also affect the mesentery; the network of tissue that connects the small bowel to the abdomen, containing the main intestinal blood vessels and lymph glands. This inflammation causes abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and lack of energy. Crohn’s is a lifelong illness with periods of acute flare-ups. There is no cure for the disease yet, so sufferers are put on medication that aid in symptom relief. Colitis, known more accurately as Ulcerative Colitis, is more localized in nature than Crohn’s Disease, but is just as painful. Commonly, Colitis affects the colon (including the rectum and anus), with the inflammation invading the inner lining of the bowel tissue. This extends upward throughout the colon. Similarly, Colitis is controlled with medication. The most common symptom that differentiates this disease from Crohn’s is the false and frequent sensation to urgently void the bowel. According to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, one in every 150 Canadians is living with Crohn’s or Colitis – a rank that is highest worldwide. The number continues to rise and new cases of the diseases have doubled in children since 1995. Families new to Canada are developing the disease for the first time, often within the first generation.       

Andrew Ross is one such sufferer. Living with Crohn’s has affected his everyday life, especially at school. “I have to go to the bathroom more than most people, so even at school if I’m outside for recess, I have to go and I have to go right away. Luckily, my teachers are aware of my situation so they always try to help me out.” Ross continues on with his explanation, highlighting his difficulties during school trips. As a band member, Ross is on stage for formal performances, often playing for two hours. Having flare-ups during this time not only takes away from his passion, but is socially embarrassing due to its private nature.

Ross has made an effort to attend as many walks in western Canada as possible. So far this year, he has been to Red Deer, Regina and Winnipeg.  

“I think walks like these are important to help people like me all across Canada,” Ross states before jumping onto his scooter, readying himself for the 4-5 walk/run. Ross is featured here, second from the left in a walk-sanctioned, red t-shirt.