Welcome to the monthly eNewsletter of the
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
Digestive Health Monthly - June 2018
Happy Summer!

As the school year comes to a close and the temperatures rise, we feel an energy boost - an extra "oomph" to go out and tackle something new. Whether that's an interest in exploring how you can participate in clinical trials or other research studies, a drive to engage in creating change through advocacy, a renewed commitment to your personal health, or just getting out and enjoying the sun, we encourage you to do something new that makes you feel good this summer.

This month we're taking a look at some new things in research, advocacy, and treatment and ways that you can join with us as we work to improve the lives of people affected by chronic gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
IFFGD Patient Panel
We want to hear from you!
We invite you to participate in IFFGD's Patient Panel, a panel of patients, family members, and friends interested in helping shape IFFGD's future by providing input and/or participating in IFFGD programs and events.

As we grow, we will look to the Patient Panel to provide insight into how we can best address the issues most important to the digestive health community.

Learn more about the Patient Panel and how to join
Meet Cate
Cate, a 7th grader from Wyoming, shares her rare disease story
"It took my sister, and my family, three years, four diagnostic pediatric hospitals, and five cities to find out what was wrong. That is the reality of being rare. My sister is rare."

IFFGD's newest Advocate in Action shares her story of watching her sister endure the hardships of life with a rare digestive disorder and how the experience inspired her to take steps to raise awareness in her community.

Rare Digestive Disorders
How patient advocacy organizations create better futures
Life with a rare digestive disorder often means suffering with disabling symptoms for years before receiving the correct diagnosis and appropriate care. In a guest article for Health Europa Quarterly, we talk about the role patient advocacy organizations like IFFGD play in connecting with individuals affected by rare digestive disorders and other rare diseases and working together towards solutions that meet their real-world needs.

IFFGD Presents 2018 Research Recognition Awards
Four young investigators honored
In recognition of the importance of research in shaping the future of the treatment and care of chronic GI disorders, IFFGD honored four young investigators as recipients of the 2018 IFFGD Research Recognition Awards during Digestive Disease Week (DDW), June 2-5, in Washington, DC.

Read our press release to learn more about the awards.
Momentum for HR 1187
Because your voice matters!
Digestive health advocates across the US are making their voices heard by their House Members of Congress in support of The Functional GI & Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act (HR 1187). This month, North Carolina Congressman David E. Price and Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly signed onto this critical legislation to show their support for research funding for chronic GI disorders.

Is your Congressional Representative a cosponsor? Learn how you can take action to ensure your Representative's support.
IFFGD is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donor support to fund research and to provide reliable information and support to those affected by chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
IFFGD | 414-964-1799 | iffgd@iffgd.org | www.iffgd.org