Accelerating discovery to improve IBD care

But the Andlauer Family hopes to change that. That’s why they’ve made a $3-million gift to support the Genetic Environmental and Microbial (GEM) Project – a global research project led by Sinai Health’s Dr. Ken Croitoru that aims to predict, prevent, and eventually cure IBD.  

For individuals living with IBD, especially those diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, symptoms can be debilitating. Through funding from Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, the GEM Project has already made some incredible breakthroughs in defining indicators in the microbiome that identify an individual’s risk for the disease.  

With their generous donation, the Andlauer Family is making it possible for Sinai Health to continue building on these advancements. Through the Andlauer Family IBD Translational Research Program, they have established funding for a full-time research position, equipping a dedicated IBD scientist to continue pushing the boundaries of discovery and clinical application further in efforts to find a cure.

“IBD impacted every aspect of my life…”

For the Andlauer Family, the research into a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is deeply personal.  

Lucie Andlauer, a business leader and mother of three, has coped with the illness for most of her life. As a child, food just wouldn’t stay in her body. Over time, the symptoms worsened until she was constantly in and out of the hospital, dealing with unpredictable bouts of pain, bleeding, and uncontrollable urges to use the washroom. Eventually, Lucie was referred to Mount Sinai’s Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, one of the world’s leading programs for advanced IBD treatment and research.  

“IBD impacted every aspect of my life. Not exaggerating, I was going to the washroom 40 times a day. I was bleeding constantly, and then in and out of the Emergency room for IVs and transfusions. At my worst, I think I weighed 81 pounds,” says Lucie. “Dr. Croitoru truly changed my life. He’s been an incredible doctor for me. He listened to me. He got me on the right treatment protocol. He got me the right care.”  

But the impacts of IBD go far beyond just the physical pain and discomfort. The lack of understanding and awareness around the severity of bowel disorders, paired with social stigma and embarrassment connected to them, can be extremely isolating.  

“It was very hard for me to talk to anyone when I was feeling that way. I just cocooned and kept it all in because I didn’t want to be a bother to anyone else,” says Lucie. “I was always a leader in business. In school, I was an athlete. Your whole identity is about who you are, how you lead, and how active you are. The last thing you want to talk about is the fact that you have a bowel disorder.”

“I want the research so we can stop this from happening…”

Lucie continues to manage the effects of IBD with the help of her medical team. Together with her family, she’s passionate about raising awareness around IBD and bringing hope and support to individuals coping with the condition. She regularly mentors young people who’ve been diagnosed, helping them navigate the ups and downs of life with IBD.  

But what she really wants is to see a cure.  

“This is one of the fastest growing diseases in Canada. When you think of the number of children being diagnosed with this, it’s impacting our next generation here and around the world. We have to invest in the future of Canadian research so that we can bring an end to the suffering, to give people hope that things will get better,” says Lucie.  

The work taking place at Sinai Health makes Lucie feel hopeful. In it, she sees the potential to develop life-changing care for those at risk of developing IBD and those who are currently coping with the illness. With so much at stake, Lucie hopes her family’s gift will inspire others to invest in supporting IBD research.

“I want the research so we can stop this from happening in 10 years. We can find a cure. We can stop people from getting this illness. We just need to keep working on it,” says Lucie. “If we can do anything to move the needle on IBD research, if that’s the legacy our family can leave behind, we’ll be ecstatic.”  

To join the Andlauer Family in supporting the crucial research and care taking place at Sinai Health, click here. 

To read more about Dr. Croitoru's research, click here.