Crohn's & Colitis Foundation - Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter

02/28/2026

The Foundation has played a role in every major breakthrough in IBD research–pioneering discoveries in genetics, the microbiome, diagnostics, and biologic therapies. From discovering the first Crohn’s disease gene to supporting wearables that track real-time IBD biomarkers, AI drug discovery, and precision medicine and therapeutic Innovation, we’re transforming how IBD is understood and treated. Check out our new research timeline, The Path to Breakthroughs, and discover how your support is fueling the future of IBD care. https://bit.ly/46mkjzL

02/28/2026

Join thousands of walkers across the country raising funds for IBD research, care, and support. Register today for a Take Steps walk near you: https://bit.ly/46Z7j3h

02/27/2026

We are looking for volunteers for this summer's Minnesota Camp Oasis! Currently we are looking for camp counselors, a second mental health specialist (social worker, child life specialist, etc.), & nurses (NP or PA). Camp will take place the week of July 6-11 in Maple Lake, MN. For more information visit the Camp Oasis website or you can comment or message us for more details. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/get-involved/camp-oasis

02/26/2026

This week, we’re proud to spotlight the newest members of our Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter Board of Directors!

Sonya Goins has been involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for more than 15 years, demonstrating extraordinary dedication to advancing our mission. Through the Foundation’s Team Challenge program, she has completed marathons in Chicago, Napa, Las Vegas, and numerous other cities, raising critical funds while increasing awareness for the IBD community along the way.

Leveraging her professional expertise in media and communications, Sonya has powerfully shared her own journey as well as the stories of fellow patients, helping shine a light on the realities of living with a chronic digestive disease and fostering greater understanding within the community. Despite facing both Crohn’s disease and breast cancer, Sonya has approached every challenge with remarkable resilience and positivity.

We are thrilled to welcome Sonya back to the Board of Directors and look forward to the impact her storytelling, marketing insight, and communications expertise will have as we continue to advance our mission and expand awareness.

02/25/2026

This week, we’re proud to spotlight the newest members of our Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter Board of Directors!

Dr. Victor Chedid is a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic specializing in the management and treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a particular focus on inclusive care for LGBTQ+ individuals through the Pride Clinic in IBD. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Chedid is deeply engaged in research and education. His work explores health disparities in IBD — especially within LGBTQ+ communities — as well as the application of artificial intelligence in gastrointestinal disorders.

Dr. Chedid has supported the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation in numerous ways over the years. Locally, he has served on the planning committee and as a presenter for our annual MyIBD Learning Patient & Caregiver Education Conference, and regularly participates in the Evening of Hope Gala and Rochester IBD Day. Nationally, he contributes as a member of the National Scientific Advisory Committee’s Diversity & Inclusion Task Force and serves as a reviewer for IBD journals.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Chedid to our Board of Directors and look forward to the expertise, insight, and compassionate leadership he brings as we continue advancing care and support for the IBD community.

02/25/2026

Join us for “Navigating Difficult-to-Treat IBD: Options, Hopes, and Next Steps,” a virtual webinar created with patients in mind. If you feel like you’ve “tried everything” for your Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and still don’t know what to do next, you’re not alone. Leading IBD experts will break down why some treatments stop working, what new options are on the horizon, and how lifestyle support and the latest research can give you new hope and a clearer path forward. Register now: https://bit.ly/4kkahoI

02/24/2026

This week, we’re proud to spotlight the newest members of our Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter Board of Directors!

Janelle Jordan has been involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation since her daughter, Vivian, was diagnosed with IBD. Since 2018, Janelle and her family have supported the mission by attending the Evening of Hope Gala and participating in multiple spin4 events. Vivian was a longtime Camp Oasis participant and later served as a Youth Ambassador in high school, where she created an awareness video and shared her story by speaking at the gala and at local corporate events.

Janelle has also generously shared her professional expertise in StrengthsFinder with our Young Professionals Board and helped facilitate important chapter strategic conversations. We are confident Janelle will be an outstanding addition to our Board of Directors, bringing fresh perspective, thoughtful leadership, and innovative thinking as we continue to grow our impact.

02/23/2026

This week, we’re proud to spotlight the newest members of our Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter Board of Directors!

Today we spotlight Danielle Gathje! Danielle became involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation after her brother-in-law was diagnosed with IBD. She first connected with the mission by attending the Evening of Hope Gala alongside friends and deepened her commitment by joining the Evening of Hope Gala Committee in 2023.

Since then, Danielle and her family have made a tremendous impact on the gala by engaging their family, friends, and business partners in support of the Foundation’s work. We are excited to welcome Danielle’s strategic thinking, leadership, and analytical expertise to the board and look forward to the meaningful contributions she will make!

02/21/2026

At the Foundation’s overnight summer camp, Camp Oasis, campers are 48% less likely to feel embarrassed about having IBD, and 98% say it’s a place where they feel supported and like they belong. Camp Oasis gives kids and teens living with IBD a community where they can truly be themselves among peers who “get it.” Read our new blog to learn more about how Camp Oasis is transforming summers—and lives—for youth with IBD. https://bit.ly/4qMEuy0

02/20/2026

Navigating Difficult-to-Treat IBD webinar: Tuesday, March 10 from 7-8 pm Central time.
Are you an IBD patient who feels like you've "tried everything" and are unsure what comes next? Join leading IBD experts for a discussion on why some treatments stop working, emerging therapies, lifestyle supports, and the latest research offering new hope for your challenging case of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Our MyIBD Learning Patient & Caregiver Education Conferences bring you the very latest inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research, treatments, and therapies to share resources and improve your quality of life, at any stage of your IBD journey.

02/19/2026

Camp Oasis, the Foundation’s summer camp for kids and teens living with IBD, opened camper and volunteer applications on February 2. The Minnesota Camp will take place Monday, July 6 through Saturday, July 11 in Maple Lake, MN.

At Camp Oasis, campers have fun, build confidence, and form lasting friendships with others who truly understand their unique experiences. With locations across the U.S. and our virtual program, CampOasis@Home, there is a Camp Oasis experience waiting for you!

Get registered, learn more, and find a camp session near you! https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/get-involved/camp-oasis/find-a-camp

02/17/2026

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone who observes. 🌙

Fasting while living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can bring unique questions and challenges, and your health always comes first. If you’re considering fasting, we encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider about what is safest for you and to check out our resource here: https://bit.ly/3OWAOcV