$350,000 needed for research to change outcomes for Kiwis with cancers of the digestive system.
For the more-than 6000 Kiwis a year diagnosed with a gut cancer, the road ahead is tough. Gruelling treatments, major surgery, limited options, and an uncertain future face the 17 Kiwis diagnosed every single day.
Gut cancers are serious. Eight Kiwis die from them every day. Cancers of the digestive system are the most common form of cancer in NZ, and they're among the deadliest. People who are diagnosed will only have a 50/50 chance of living for five more years and right now, there's a massive shortage of funding for gut cancer research. You can change that.
The Gut Cancer Foundation are calling on New Zealanders to Give it Up for Gut Cancer this March to show support for Kiwis facing gut cancer. Participants can choose to give up sugar, booze, or the sofa (and get active) to reduce their own risk of developing a gut cancer while raising vital funds to shift the dial for those affected.
Everyone taking part will be supported every step of the way by the GCF team, a dedicated Facebook group where the community come together to cheer each other on, and a team of experts including:
Jared Tuoro: A confidence coach who will be creating weekly webinars throughout March to discuss topics like dealing with cravings, how to overcome challenges and turning setbacks into comebacks.
Sean Robertson: A Metabolic Nutritionist, Epigenetic coach, Personal Trainer, and all-around Health Guru, Sean is back to help educate and support participants.
The Gut Cancer Foundation is the voice for digestive cancers in New Zealand covering oesophageal, liver, gallbladder & bile duct, pancreas, stomach, bowel and anal cancers. With no government funding, the foundation relies solely on community funders and supporters like you to carry out the vital work of awareness, education, advocacy and research.
Last year, phenomenal GIVE IT UP participants raised just under $300,000 which helped fund three studies to help improve the quality of life for patients.
1. 5-FU toxicity - a feasibility study to determine whether the use of continuous ECG monitoring in real-life conditions (over two days, while receiving infusional 5-FU chemotherapy at home), can appropriately assess cardiac events and to determine the acceptability of this study to both patients and clinicians
2. Stomaguard – assessment of the effectiveness of the stomaguard in managing the symptoms of parastomal hernias which are a common complication following bowel cancer surgery
3. PAELO – an Australasian trial through AGITG that aims to improve swallowing function in patients with oesophageal cancer to lengthen life expectancy and improve quality of life.
The Gut Cancer Foundation is hoping to smash last year’s effort and raise $350,000 for research.
Liam Willis, Executive Officer of Gut Cancer Foundation says “Research really is the way we will change outcomes for gut cancer patients. We need better ways to detect these cancers earlier, treat them more effectively, find ways to extend life expectancy, and improve quality of life for this group of patients.”
This year’s campaign is once again being backed by campaign partners, Turners Automotive Group and C3 Construction. Over the last 3 years, Turners have raised over $120,000 for the campaign. CEO, Todd Hunter said “To be able to support such an important cause and raise money for vital research is deeply gratifying for us. The fact that we can do so whilst engaging our teams in healthy activities and providing access to information that will help them live healthier lifestyles, and reducing their risk of gut cancers, is hugely important. We look forward to being involved in Give it Up again!’
Last year Auckland based construction firm, C3 Construction supported the campaign by matching $20,000 of donations made in March. Kirk Bakker who lost his father to stomach cancer 10 years ago said “We’re pleased to announce our return as a campaign partner for GIVE IT UP for Gut Cancer 2024. Gut cancers collectively affect more Kiwis than any other cancer and it’s such an important cause that we are proud to stand behind. GIVE IT UP allows us to contribute to funding research for better treatments, detection and diagnosis for gut cancers, but it also presents an opportunity for our team to prioritise their well-being and adopt healthy habits throughout the month.”
Sign up here: https://www.giveitup.nz/signup
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