On Wednesday, May 27, 2020 ImproveCareNow announced the decision to transition their in-person Fall Community Conference to a Live Online event. The decision was made jointly by the ImproveCareNow Directors and the Community Conference Planning Team, in consideration of the continued uncertain circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

From her home office, Catalina spoke clearly and with great conviction, delivering her narrative directly to…her computer screen. Many of us have become accustomed to hearing Ignite Talks delivered to a packed plenary room at our in-person Community Conferences – and the effect these personal stories have is often palpable. Though it was not the original plan, Cat’s words flowed from her location in North Carolina across hundreds and even thousands of miles, reaching ImproveCareNow community members as they joined our first-ever Live Online Community Conference from their homes and offices. While the distance between was indeed great – Cat’s words drew us in close and (as Ignite Talks tend to do) reignited the passion we all feel for the work of ImproveCareNow - of improving health and care for kids with IBD. And from across the miles, the effect of Cat's words were still palpable:

“Incredible Cat!! Words do not do justice to what you are conveying to all of us - the village of ICN!”

“Inspiring for us all! Makes you want to try even harder!”

“You are incredible Cat!!! Your strength and advocacy is inspiring!!! THANK YOU!!!”

“I'M CRYING”

“You remind us why it is so worth it to keep fighting and working. Thank you!”

“Cat gives me chills.”

*stands up and claps*

“Really beautiful. As a caregiver, I feel your passion and share your sense of purpose. Very well done.”

Experience Cat’s Ignite Talk:

I was delighted to have time to join the ImproveCareNow Live Online Community Conference earlier this month, about 1.5 years after leaving my role as Improvement Director. What a delight to watch this group of improvers rise to the occasion as never before, bringing hundreds of people across the globe together under challenging circumstances, all while understandably mourning the ability to be together in person as planned.

On Friday, April 3, ImproveCareNow will host a LIVE Online Community Conference (LOCC). The LOCC will be preceded by a late breaking session on Telemedicine in Response to COVID-19 at 9:30am ET (8:30am CT, 7:30am MT, 6:30am PT) and the main event will begin at 10:30am ET (9:30am CT, 8:30am MT, 7:30am PT). 

All are welcome to join this free online event where we will be exploring ImproveCareNow's Pathway to the Future and how we can all continue to work together to transform health, care and costs for all children and adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Hi, it’s Christian – co-chair of the PAC! I’m really excited to let you know that the PAC is once again offering ICN gear in our online shop. This year, we’ve added some new hoodies and sweaters in gray, black and white. And you’ll find some other fan favorites: t-shirts, coffee mugs, pillows, and more! To get your ICN gear, please visit: https://teespring.com/stores/2020-icn-store

On Friday, March 6, 2020 ImproveCareNow Executive Directors, Dr. Richard Colletti and Dr. Peter Margolis, announced the decision to move the in-person Community Conference scheduled for April 2-4, to a Live Online Community Conference on April 3.