27 Mar 2017
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
On my way home from the 2017 MAP Conference in Philadelphia, I had to drive through a tunnel which ran underneath a mountain. Tunnels have always made me a little nervous due the confinement, but I relaxed as I saw daylight coming from a small hole on the other side. As I focused on getting to the light, it occurred to me that this tunnel was a great representation of my journey with Crohn’s disease. For so many years I moved forward through life in the confinement of disease. Darkness was my companion, and I felt alone and different from those around me. But as my body healed on antibiotic therapy, I came back into the light of living a full and joyful life free of chronic disease.
UPDATE: On March 24-25, 2017, MAP researchers and doctors from around the world will gather in Philadelphia, PA to share presentations and discuss how best to advance MAP science. Read the latest update about the Goals of the meeting, Discussion Topics, and Presenters list. Additionally, the latest sponsorship details are announced.
There are at least two ways that bacteria may play a role in inflammatory bowel disease. The top of the Hit Parade at present is the gut microbiome. Researchers, by using complex new technologies, can take a virtual snapshot of the bacterial DNA in the gut of the IBD patient (and in the normal patient, of course). Successful snapshots end up as publications if they demonstrate a difference in the gut microbiome between these two groups. If the IBD patient shows an abundance of a particular organism when it is not apparent in the control group, then this may indicate the presence of an organism capable of triggering an inflammatory reaction in the gut of the patient.
New Zealand is a collection of three islands. Life on an island is sustained by a complex infrastructure. Interdependence is the glue that results in sustainability. Sustainability, in turn, is ensured if the needs of both the population and the environment are addressed and met. The goal is harmony. Socially, islands resemble huge organisms; isolated yet functioning in a collective synchronicity with each of their parts. The organic model is not new – a group of organisms working together to the benefit of society. Ants build anthills, bees build beehives, people build complex societies.
The Crohn’s Infection is proud to announce the formation of our new non-profit organization: Human Paratuberculosis Foundation. Human Paratuberculosis Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 under the laws of the State of New York. We are an approved IRS 503(c)(1) charity. In addition, we are happy to let our community know about the 2017 MAP Conference to be held in Philadelphia on March 24-25th. Keep reading for more details and an opportunity to help!