Brown Note: Helping People with IBD Find Hope and Support With Andrew Giffin

Amber Tresca talks with Andrew Giffin, a product manager in Toronto who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at 19 after years of symptoms in high school. Andrew shares his experience navigating three major surgeries, adjusting his career path away from law enforcement, and learning to manage stress as part of living with a chronic illness. He also discusses developing apps, including Brown Note, a free, anonymous peer-support app for people with digestive diseases. Brown Note was inspired by his own feelings of isolation while preparing for his third surgery and is available on Apple, Android, and the web.

Transcript and more at: https://bit.ly/AIBD204

What you'll learn:



• Personal journey with Crohn's disease, including challenges in high school and college and the impact surgery has on personal and professional life.
• What goes into developing apps to support individuals with digestive diseases.
• What goes into creating a bathroom finder app such as "Flusher."
• Explanation of Brown Note, an anonymous peer support app for people with IBD.
• Importance of community and support for those with chronic illnesses.
• Coping strategies for managing stress and emotional challenges related to illness, such as reading and music.

Key Chapters & Timestamps:

• [00:00:05] — Introduction to Andrew Giffin
• [00:01:49] — Early Symptoms and Diagnosis Journey
• [00:03:53] — The Challenge of University Life
• [00:07:09] — First Surgery and Recovery
• [00:09:30] — A Ruptured Appendix Emergency
• [00:12:28] — Changing Career Aspirations
• [00:15:53] — Coping with Life Changes
• [00:18:32] — Developing the "Flusher" App
• [00:21:14] — Lessons Learned from "Flusher"
• [00:24:54] — The Creation of "Brown Note"
• [00:27:50] — The Goal of the "Brown Note" App
• [00:30:12] — Andrew's Current Reading Obsession
• [00:33:59] — How to Find "Brown Note"

Find Andrew Giffen at:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giffen/

Find Brown Note at:

• Web: https://www.brownnote.app/
• Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6759183219
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brownnote.app

Resources discussed on this episode:

• Melsheimer R, Geldhof A, Apaolaza I, Schaible T. Remicade® (infliximab): 20 years of contributions to science and medicine. Biologics. 2019;13:139-178. doi:10.2147/BTT.S207246
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6679695/
• Anal Fissure vs. Fistula: What Are the Differences
• First Signs of Appendicitis and Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
• IBD in College or Grad School: Coping With Stress, Flares, and Feeling Left Behind
• Got2Go — New York City Bathroom Finder
• We Can't Wait: Restroom Finder App — Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
• GoHere® Washroom Access — Crohn's and Colitis Canada

Pop culture references:

• The Smiths: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+smiths&rh=p_lbr_music_artists_browse-bin%3AThe%2BSmiths
• The Wheel Of Time Series: https://www.amazon.com/Wheel-Time-Book-Set-Crossroads/dp/B00132BG7U/
• Frank Herbert's Dune Saga: https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Herberts-Dune-6-Book-Boxed/dp/0593201884/

Find Amber J Tresca at:

• AboutIBD.com: About IBD
• Verywell: Verywell Health
• Facebook: @aboutIBD
• Twitter: @aboutIBD
• Pinterest: @aboutibd
• Instagram: @about_IBD
• YouTube: @AboutIBD
• Threads: @about_IBD

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

• Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
• Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
• Web: Cooney Studio
• YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
• Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.