This year, FUNDECCU Argentina celebrates 25 years of commitment to people living with IBD throughout Argentina, supporting care, education, rights and the connection between people with IBD and their families. What began as the dream of a dedicated gastroenterologist has become an organisation with a sustained impact not only in Argentina but throughout Latin America.

A story born from the need to provide company: "The beginning: commitment and vision"

In the year 2000, in the city of Neuquén, in the heart of the Argentine Patagonia, FUNDECCU was founded to address the unmet needs of people with IBD, and this non-profit organisation soon expanded its reach across the country. Its founder, Fabiana Miele, began this journey with conviction and idealism. At the time, the proposed approach—focusing on integral companionship, patient empowerment and community building—was not fully understood, and, like many innovative ideas, it initially met with resistance and uncertainty. For many, the discussion of shared decision-making processes, expert patients, support groups and healthcare professionals who actively educate their patients represented a novel approach. Nevertheless, determination drove the project forward, quickly gathering support and weaving networks. Over time, FUNDECCU gained a prominent position, paving the way for others to follow. From the outset, the goal was clear: to coordinate the work of health professionals alongside patients in order to create a space for comprehensive care, empowerment and visibility for people with IBD and their families. Over the years, the foundation has received multiple awards and recognition from both Argentinian and international institutions—both for its ongoing work and for its pioneering efforts in advocating for legislation to defend the rights of people living with these conditions.

Actions that make a difference

FUNDECCU carries out multiple lines of action, including:

• Peer support groups: Safe spaces for people with IBD to share experiences, offer emotional support and find meaning in the face of the various challenges posed by living with a chronic illness.
• Volunteering: The foundation is supported by both in-person and remote volunteers who contribute time, skills and logistical support. All volunteers receive continuous training.
• Education: Ongoing workshops, telemedicine sessions and printed materials to help spread reliable medical knowledge.
• Awareness and public campaigns: National campaigns to inform the public and reduce the stigma around IBD.
• Solidarity bank for medications and ostomy supplies: Distribution of supplies to those in need in order to reduce inequality in access to treatment.
• Legal and institutional support: Guidance for patients regarding health coverage, access to healthcare, labour rights and education.
• Professional training: Medical education programmes focused on IBD for healthcare professionals across Argentina and Latin America.
• Patient training: In 2019–2020, FUNDECCU launched its first Expert Patient Course, a deeply valuable and impactful experience.

A proposal for the 25^th anniversary: Honouring the past, shaping the future

This milestone is not only a time to reflect and celebrate but also a chance to renew our commitment and offer new tools.

To mark this significant anniversary, FUNDECCU proudly announces the upcoming release of two new books that reflect its journey and look toward the future: “Nutrition in Ostomies”, a practical and complete guide that describes essential strategies and provides information relevant to all stages of life with an ostomy, and “Nutrition in IBD”, a straightforward and accessible book that answers common daily questions about nutrition for those living with IBD. Both books will initially be published in Spanish, with translations to other languages coming soon. These publications will join two earlier books. First, “Teacher, Can You Help Me?”, a guide not only for teachers, but also for parents, children and teens, which provides strategies to support students with IBD from early school years through university. This material is available in Spanish, English and Portuguese, as well as in audiobook format in English. And then, “What I Want to Know: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis”, a book that covers all aspects of IBD, with contributions from doctors from several countries. This book is currently available in Spanish, with translations underway.

All books are available for free download at www.fundeccu.org.ar.

The 25^th anniversary of FUNDECCU is a chance both to celebrate the past and to make a firm commitment to continue building bridges in order to ensure a more just and inclusive future that is full of possibilities. This celebration also provides an opportunity to thank the entire IBD Community and to invite new people to join us. FUNDECCU is just getting started!