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Sunday, August 23rd will be our 25th Gutsy Walk across the nation. Will you be taking part?
The Gutsy Walk certainly looks different this year, as we’re going virtual for the first time ever. This means while we can’t hug, fist bump, or high-five each other at our walks across Canada as we usually would, we can connect to even MORE members of our Crohn’s and colitis community than ever before, thanks to the magic of the internet.

In honour of the 25 years we’ve been walking in support of those living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, we hope you enjoy this special Silver Edition of Talk About Guts: packed with news, inspiration, tips and stories to get us all going for Gutsy Walk this Sunday!
So What IS the Gutsy Walk?
For those of you who have recently joined our Crohn’s and colitis community, you may be scratching your head at why we’re talking about Gutsy Walk so much!

To catch you up to speed…

Gutsy Walk started out as the Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-thon in 1996 as a way to raise funds to support the work of critical inflammatory bowel disease research to find better treatments, and hopefully one day, cures. Thanks to past Gutsy Walks, we’ve made huge gains in Crohn’s and colitis research. We’ve come a long way since 1996 in advancing our understanding of these chronic diseases and developing new treatments. Along the way, we’ve made new friends and created wonderful memories at these annual community events. Just imagine what the future will hold, when we keep walking together as cures are just steps away.

This year, the 25th annual Gutsy Walk is taking place virtually this Sunday, August 23rd. Inspired to join us in the search for a cure? Register, and take part in the Gutsy Walk with us!
What's Happening on Sunday?

While you can be GUTSY anytime you want on Sunday, we invite you to join us at the National Gutsy Walk Opening Ceremonies, happening on our Facebook page at 10:00 am EDT and again at 12:00 pm EDT for those who like to sleep in (or live on the west coast)! Be sure to also check out your local Crohn’s and Colitis Canada chapter page to find out what special events may be happening in your community tomorrow.

So what does Gutsy Walk look like this year? For some, Gutsy Walk will be a hike in a local park or trail, while for others it might mean getting steps in on their treadmill or through a virtual Zumba party with friends. Gutsy Walk is a great way to get your daily exercise and to connect virtually with friends. Whatever way you walk, we’d love to know about it – be sure to take pictures and tag @getgutsycanada and #GutsyWalk so we can share them throughout the day.

After you’ve done your Gutsy Walk, we’ll ALL be getting together again at 6:00 pm EDT on Facebook to celebrate our accomplishments this year and give special shout-outs to our Top Pledge Earners and highest earning teams at our Closing Ceremony.

We hope to see you there!
Walk Essentials

Going outside? No need to create your own checklist for walking essentials, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of things you may want to bring with you:

o  Backpack
o  Water bottle
o  Running shoes
o  Sunscreen
o  Sunglasses
o  Hat
o  Phone/Camera
o  Gutsy Mask (in case you need to run into a store on your Walk!)
The Wizard of Gutsy

On Sunday, close your eyes, tap your shoes together and say, “There’s no place like the Gutsy Walk!” and there you shall be! Help us build awareness of inflammatory bowel disease by sending us (@getgutsycanada) your video or picture of your shoes tapped together as you head off for your Gutsy Wlak, or share it on social (#GutsyWalk) for us all to be connected!

Looking to Donate?

If you haven’t registered for Gutsy Walk, but you’re looking to support the cause, you can head on over to gutsywalk.ca to make a donation! Support a friend, family member or coworker in reaching their fundraising goal or make a general donation to the event. Remember, you’ll receive a tax receipt if you donate $15 or more. Every dollar you donate goes a long way in advancing critical research and supporting everyone affected by Crohn’s or colitis.
WE'RE INSPIRED!

The Power of Scrunchies

Meet Nathalie Begin, Co-Honourary Chair of our Windsor Gutsy Walk. Nathalie has been inspiring and encouraging others with Crohn’s or colitis with her wellness blog, Gutsy Feeling since 2018. She’s been raising money for this year’s Gutsy Walk by selling scrunchies! Follow along with her journey on at her website, gutsyfeeling.com, or on Instagram @gutsyfeeling.
Highway Heroes

Gary Mason, Crohn's warrior, is fulfilling a lifelong dream to do something really special.

Him and his partner will be walking across Alberta highway #3 at Walsh on the Saskatchewan border and walking westerly towards the B.C. border. They will finish at Coleman on September 6th, after walking 374 km. They are looking forward to stopping in on little communities along the way, talking with local press to share their stories, with their intention to help those recently diagnosed with Crohn's or colitis.
Let's get ready to walk with Gary, and show the world that people with Crohn's or colitis do extraordinary things.
Thank you so much for staying connected with us, and doing what you can to support our Crohn’s and colitis community. Your support means so much to the 270,000+ Canadians living with IBD. We hope you’re as excited as we are for the Gutsy Walk!

Thanks, as always, for subscribing to Talk About Guts! We’ll see you – virtually – on Sunday!
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