The idea of establishing an association for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in Cyprus first emerged in 1993, when a group of patients and their families attempted to create such an organization. However, this effort was not completed. At the end of 2000, the idea was revived during a meeting of some patients and their friends. One year later, on December 10, 2001, the founding general assembly of the Union was held, attended by many patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. During this assembly, a provisional Board of Directors was elected, consisting of eight members – four patients with Crohn’s Disease and four of their immediate relatives. The Board was responsible for registering the Union as a non-profit organization with the Ministry of the Interior and preparing it for the first General Assembly. On August 2, 2002, the Union was officially registered as a non-profit organization with the Ministry of the Interior under the name “Pan-Cypriot Union for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.” The objectives of the Union were: • To provide all kinds of help, support, and care to patients and seek solutions to their problems. • To strengthen and promote the establishment and operation of centres for......