The Great Bowel Movement
Rating: 5 stars 28 reviews
Issues: Health
Location: Chicago IL USA
Mission:
The Great Bowel Movement is a social awareness movement with the goals of empowering patients associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, as well as J-Pouch and Ostomy, to embrace their disease, be proud of their experience, and spread awareness throughout their communities.
The Great Bowel Movement produces trendy “Ask Me” t-shirts designed to be worn out and about, and initiates conversations about IBD. It opens doors to conversations with colleagues or strangers, empowers those who wear them, and creates role models out of those who have overcome, or are overcoming, the challenges of living with chronic illness, who live their lives happily and successfully.
Results:
To date, we've distributed over 1000 shirts to empowered patients, including a handful of free SponsorShirts to those who are out there going above and beyond to live their lives as examples and spread awareness.
Over the past two years, we've donated to a variety of IBD and ostomy related charities as a result of our t-shirt sales.
We're currently working with a team to develop more programs and resources to continue our mission of IBD awareness.
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Community Reviews
As a sister to someone struggling with Crohn's disease, I'm always looking to find help for him and my family. This group gives a voice to conditions that are rarely spoken about. That voice is so powerful to anyone seeking comfort. I'm so thankful for the group and all the positive things they do.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
I stumbled upon GBM through social media and it has certainly given me a sense of community. Wearing their T shirts is one of the best ways to spread awareness. The passion and dedication for the work they do certainly shows through this organization. Their efforts are appreciated and I hope to see them grow and continue to raise awareness in the upcoming year!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
2 people found this review helpful
This group is using their great skills with language to help raise awareness of Crohn's and Colitis. They have constructed brochures that are very factual, fun and easy to understand. As a crohn's patient, I feel as though they are representing our community in a great way. I love the shirt i bought. I also think the individual who blog are inspirational, truthful and understanding. This group is present in other parts of the Crohn's community, such as Camp Oasis as well. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
nothing
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
1 person found this review helpful
I've been lucky enough to meet GBM at two events in Chicago and attend another in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They do a great job to spread awareness with informative blogs and help on topics ranging from school, to work, to dating. During events they provide non-pressure and non-fundraising situations for us to just enjoy a "normal" night out with others that share IBD.
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I am glad to see them growing. I think that going forward, GBM will find new ways to spread awareness, grow their presence, and contribute more and more to other IBD patients.
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
1 person found this review helpful
The GBM is an excellent organization dedicated to raising awareness for IBD and providing the community with the latest IBD news and research. They are very creative in their mission shown in their awareness T-shirts and have a non-stop passion for helping those with IBD. Very highly recommend.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
2 people found this review helpful
A wonderful wonderful organization!!! They have been such a blessing in my journey with Crohn's Disease. Not only do they educate the public (I had no idea what Crohn's was until I was diagnosed) but they also encourage people with IBD to OWN IT! They encourage us daily to spread awareness and change the stigma of these diseases. They are warm and accepting and have such a positive outlook. I wish every type of chronic illness had an organization such as this one!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
I am a mom of a son with Crohn's x 27 years, who has been through about every complication, both with the disease physically -- surgeries, fistula, fungal infection from a med, gallbladder, countless meds -- and also emotionally - trying to hold onto a job, social isolation, wife who left. This site is invaluable for its educational aspect and it's support - not only for those who live with this every day but for those who love them. I cannot say enough good things about The Great Bowel Movement.
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Not!
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
4 people found this review helpful
I've only known about the GBM for a few short months. I was diagnosed with CD in September 2013. Since then I've had two operation and far to many complication to list. As anyone who has IBD or anyone close to you knows what a isolating and lonely disease this can be. Not only does it beat me up physically it also beats me up emotionally. I LOVE this site!!!! It keeps me well informed and reminds me I am not alone. I especially love my ASK ME t-shirt. Some days we need to give ourselves a great big hug and remember we are doing the best we can and this shirt reminds me of that.
Thanks for everything you do!!
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2 people found this review helpful
I can't say enough about this site. For years I suffered in silence with debilitating symptoms, too ashamed to tell a doctor. By the time I was diagnosed I was so sick at 20 years old that I thought I'd never get better. I felt so alone and I felt I had no where to turn. These folks have helped change all of that. The pays and interactions with others through this site truly changed how I cope with my IBD. It also gave me a way to educate others on my condition. I really, truly wish everyone diagnosed with IBD finds this site first because it changes everything.
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2 people found this review helpful
I was diagnosed with UC in December of 2012. I had no clue what UC was or what my next step would be. I owe The Great Bowel Movement a big thank you for helping me with my journey so far. I like how they spread awareness not just to fellow IBDers but also to others who do not suffer from IBD. Their topics that are posted on Facebook are incredibly helpful as well! I love the way they have incorporated "Ask Me About My IBD" apparel onto their website for purchase. The apparel alone starts some interesting topics when worn out and about. I highly appreciate The Great Bowel Movement and what they do for people like me.