CICRA (Crohn's in Childhood Research Association)
is dedicated to creating a wider understanding of
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, collectively
known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),
particularly as it affects children and young adults. We provide support and understanding for children and young people and their families through the many people connected to CICRA who have been through the same experience. We raise funds to sponsor Research Fellowships and PhD studentships and give grants to support approved medical and scientific research projects in major gastroenterological centres nationwide. Investment in research has led to new treatments and has helped to train many of the specialists who today treat children throughout the UK. Please visit our website www.CICRA.org for more information and/or to become a member of the charity. We have two key sections...
1) For children and young adults - http://www.cicra.org/cool-zone
2) For information about IBD
http://www.cicra.org/what-is-ibd
If you have any questions feel free to contact us, we are here to help! (UK registered charity number 278212)
CICRA - How it all began:
In 1978, two sets of parents had children with an illness very few had heard of, and even less knew anything about. The children had Crohnโs disease and were under the care of doctors at St Bartholomewโs Hospital in London. One of the doctors was researching this rare condition in children and explained to the parents there were no charities supporting children or families with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The parents resolved to make a difference themselves and started raising funds for qualified doctors at the early stages of their careers to undertake specialist training in paediatric gastroenterology, both scientific and clinical aspects, to ensure that in the future, children affected by IBD would have appropriate, specialist care. This sub-specialism had not previously existed, but the charityโs initiative drove a growth in number of the specialists, who are now spread all across the UK. The four decades since those early days have seen a dramatic increase in the prevalence of these distressing, painful and exhausting diseases. Specialists - many of whom came through the CICRA scheme - now treat tens of thousands of children in the UK. As the charity has grown and developed, with desperate families and young people crying out for help, we have expanded our support and information services. We are a charity started by families to help families, and inspired by extraordinary children and young people. At our heart are two crucial insights:
the importance of children being diagnosed and treated by specialists in gastroenterology and paediatrics, both elements being essential for accurate diagnosis and the best care
connecting children, parents, and siblings to others in similar situations, to share experiences and help them feel less isolated and alone
40 years on and despite advances in treatment thanks to our research, and the growth of a UK wide network of CICRA-trained specialists, IBD remains a devastating disease that can ruin childhood and put a huge strain on families. The hope that sparked us into life, that motivated our cause from the start, of the best science, expert information and mutual support, continues to burn strong. Thousands of generous supporters have helped fund amazing achievements, including better treatments and improved care. We know that it is a matter of when, not if, that we will achieve our ultimate goal of beating IBD for good.
