CICRA: better lives for children with crohns and colitis Information

We believe in a childhood unlimited by inflammatory bowel disease. We lead research into better treatments, support children and families with relevant information, work with health professionals to improve care and give children a voice to increase public understanding of crohns and colitis. Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association (CICRA) was formed in 1978 by a group of concerned parents of young children with Crohn’s. Despite being seen for many years in adults, it was very rare at that time in children. However, prevalence of IBD in children (including both Crohn's and Ulcerative colitis) has seen a notable increase in recent decades. CICRA raises funds to support approved medical and scientific research aimed at finding more effective treatments and an eventual cure. We sponsor research fellowships and PhD studentships and give grants for approved 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. CICRA also provides support for affected children and their families, in the form of information booklets and newsletters and our popular IBD family information days. Many of the leading paediatric gastroenterologists in the UK have been supported by CICRA's funding and are now treating children in various parts of the country. CICRA aim to ensure that one day all children with IBD will be able to see a specialist. We offer support, information and understanding to families of children with IBD as well as specific support for children, including the chance to talk with others living with IBD.