Hi everyone!
I've been away for a few weeks - out enjoying our Canadian summer while we still have it! But I recently heard about
something I thought some of you might be interested in.
Researchers in Canada and the US are conducting a large-scale study called the IBD GEM (Genetic, Environmental and Microbial) Project. The project website explains it well so I'll quote it here:
GEM Project website said...
The GEM Project is a Canada-wide research study that will attempt to determine possible causes for Crohn's Disease by following healthy individuals who are at a higher risk for developing the disease over time. A total of 5000 healthy individuals who have a sibling and/or parent with Crohn's Disease will join the effort to help find a cause.
This is the first study of its kind to try and understand the complex genetic, environmental and microbial interactions within our own bodies.
Although the blurb above says it's just in Canada (and indeed it is in most major cities in Canada), it appears they are also looking for participants in Hartford, CT and Providence, RI. See the "How to Join" page on the website linked to below.
They are looking for people with Crohn's, as well as children and full siblings of people with Crohn's. I've signed up, as has my (Crohn's-free) sister. It looks like participants have to be between the ages of 6 and 35.
There is no compensation, financial or otherwise, for participation, but what a great way to help better understand this disease.
More information is available on the project website,
www.gemproject.ca/