Have you ever wanted to ask questions about GI cancer to an expert? A doctor or survivor, someone who has been there before? This August, we will host the third annual Ask the Experts event, created for anyone whose life has been touched by a gastro-intestinal cancer; whether you are living with cancer, have a loved one who is, or would like to learn about lowering your risk of developing cancer.

The event offers a rare opportunity to hear doctors and patients discuss cancer from both perspectives. This free event features a panel of New Zealand’s top GI cancer specialists, a nutritionist, and survivors who will discuss diagnosis, treatment and the experience of surviving GI cancer.  The panellists will also cover the hope brought by medical research, and nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for lowering your risk of developing cancer.  Guests will be encouraged to ask questions of the panel, in the hope that all will leave armed with more information and hope.

The Ask the Experts event is part of GICI’s mission to raise awareness about gastro-intestinal cancer and support patients in New Zealand. Any donations given in relation to the event will help us to fund clinical research to improve outcomes of GI cancer.

The event will take place on August 5, from 7-9pm at the King’s School in Remuera, Auckland. To register for a free ticket, visit the event site here.

GICI just got new T-shirts made, and now you can show your  support and spread awareness by purchasing one! Wear it while you’re hitting the gym, competing in a race, or just hanging out!

For $20 we’ll send the t-shirt straight to you, just call or email us  with your size and address and we’ll send you payment details. You can transfer money into the GICI account, send a cheque, or pay by credit card over the phone.

We also want to say a huge thank you to Konstruct for designing and printing the shirts! 

This past weekend, Lizzy Guest completed the Rotorua Marathon. This is a feat in and of itself, but she also used her achievement to help raise money and awareness for gastro-intestinal cancer. Throughout her training, Lizzy encouraged her friends and family to support her efforts by donating to GICI. On her Everyday Hero fundraising page, she explained, “it’s important for me to do something for myself and to show my family how important a healthy lifestyle is. I would also like to do something for others. Both my grandpa and my dad died of bowel cancer and I would like to raise money for this worthy cause.”

Lizzy exceeded her fundraising goal of $500 and  spread the word about us by sporting a GICI running shirt during the marathon (a big thank you to Konstruct for designing & printing the t-shirts!). We are incredibly grateful to her for giving her time and energy! AND, it’s not too late to support her cause, check out her page here.

If you’re feeling inspired to raise awareness and funds, have a look at the Everyday Hero site, you can sign up to participate in an event or join our Gut Busters team to set up your own fitness and fundraising goals and invite your friends to support your achievements by donating to GICI…it’s a win/win!