Get Your Guts In Gear changed my life. It makes an impact in so many ways. By fundraising, IBD and Ostomy organizations benefit- and not just CCFA- it is a mix of bigger and smaller organizations, all of whom are helping others with IBD. The ride itself is really empowering. Riding 2 days through hilly upstate New York is something to be proud of, and doing it with a chronic illness just makes it that much tougher, and truly an accomplishment. Both of these are amazing, but GYGIG adds another element- support. The friends I have met on this ride are friends for life. They have been supportive and understanding through so many things, IBD related or just life related. A variety of interesting people come together through the commonality of IBD and for a weekend, are a family. There is something special about the openness on the ride, also. It seems that everyone is welcome, and people are excited to meet the newbies each year, and grow this amazing family and have others join in this unique experience. If I hadn't gone to GYGIG that first time I did, I think I would still be angry and lonely about my disease.