GI Associates is proud to support the annual Crohn’s and Colitis walk
Dr. Eric Johnson is the Honorary Chair of Wausau’s “Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis” walk. The event will take place on October 7th. It’s a cause that means a lot to him as a gastroenterologist—and as a son.
“When I was growing up, my dad had a significant case of Crohn’s disease. It was hard to watch someone you idolize suffer like he did. It was one of the reasons I went into gastroenterology,” says Dr. Johnson.
Today, the outlook for those diagnosed with Crohn’s or colitis is much better. “Much better than even ten years ago,” says Dr. Johnson. “We’re getting closer to a cure, but we still have a ways to go.”
It’s Dr. Johnson’s fourth year of being involved with the walk.
The walk is a celebration of those fighting these diseases as well as an opportunity to educate people about Crohn’s and colitis.
“It’s a great event,” says Dr. Johnson. “It raises money and awareness for Crohn’s and colitis. We have foods that are Crohn’s and colitis-friendly, ‘heroes’ who come and speak about their experience with the disease, and lots of people who are there to support loved ones suffering from Crohn’s or colitis.”
Even more important than the money and awareness that the walk raises, says Dr. Johnson, is the sense of community it gives people living with Crohn’s and colitis.
“These are silent diseases,” says Dr. Johnson. “There hasn’t been a lot of access to education, historically, in this part of the state. This walk is changing that.”
What does a successful walk look like to Dr. Johnson? “Every year we’ve grown,” he says. “This year’s event will be successful if we reach even more people, raise more money for a cure, and show everyone living with Crohn’s and colitis that there is support for them.”
For more information on the walk, visit the website here.