Irrewarra-Beeac Football Netball Club’s desire to put bowel cancer in the spotlight gave one of the Bombers’ own a platform to share her story in a bid to help others this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Liz Gore learnt in December that she had bowel cancer, but the mother of three said she was “one of the lucky ones” after regular health checks potentially saved her life.
Liz is three quarters of the way through chemotherapy treatment following successful surgery to remove a tumour in January.
The 53-year-old said she was always cautious of bowel cancer, with her mum, Betty Mahony, also going through the illness at age 47 before surviving to live for another 40 years.
“Mum was an inspiration and even though she passed away last year, I know she’s close by me,” Liz said.
Bowel cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer but is one of the most treatable if found early – a reason why Liz has encouraged regular checks.
“I’ve got a very positive prognosis after successful surgery and follow-up chemotherapy,” Liz said.
“But what I want to promote is particularly the bowel cancer test kits, because early detection is the key,” she said.
“I’m a fit and healthy person, so it was quite a shock for people that know me, but it can happen to anyone.
“I’m doing very well and on track to make a full recovery, but that is very much linked to the fact we got it early.
“We’ve all got an opportunity to look after ourselves; it’s only a small inconvenience to do the test or go and see your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms”
The month of June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Liz’s personal battle inspired Irrewarra-Beeac Football Netball Club to dedicate their clash with the Western Eagles to the cause.
The Bombers’ footballers swapped their red-and-black socks for green, while netballers also chose to wear green socks to honour Liz and the bowel cancer awareness movement.
Liz said support from the Irrewarra-Beeac club and Colac district community had been overwhelming.
The Gore family has been involved at the Bombers for nearly 20 years, with Liz and her husband Tim’s children, Jarrod, Brad and Lisa, starting out their football and netball journeys at the club.
“I was very touched when the club said they would promote bowel cancer.”
“We live in the most generous community. I’ve had a tsunami of support, just absolutely incredible.”
“It’s difficult to express how much our family appreciates the care and concern shown to us.”
Irrewarra-Beeac club official Amy Angus said her husband and Bombers senior co-coach Jaden suggested the club should raise awareness for bowel cancer in support of Liz.
Club officials sold Apple Pin Ribbons on the day and hosted a raffle to raise additional funds for Bowel Cancer Australia.
“The family has been heavily involved in the club and Liz was always around the club, so we decided to dedicate this year to bowel cancer.”
Warmest thanks to all at the Irrewarra-Beeac Football Netball Club for their generous support and our very best wishes to Liz for her treatment and recovery.
Source: Colac Herald
Red Apple Day 2019: How You Can Get Involved
A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia this Red Apple Day (Wednesday, 19 June 2019), through the purchase of a Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon and apple themed fundraising activities.
Here's five fantastic ways you can help raise much needed awareness and funds to help beat bowel cancer this Red Apple Day:
1. Order (or download) free awareness posters and flyers to distribute at your workplace, community centre, social or sporting group.
2. Register to sell Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbons to family, friends and local community members.
3. Host a Red Apple Day fundraiser or awareness activity.
4. Connect with Bowel Cancer Australia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and spread the word by sharing, re-posting and tweeting.
5. Donate today to help save lives and to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with bowel cancer. Every donation over $2 is fully tax-deductible.
For more information and to get involved this Red Apple Day click here.
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Red Apple Day are initiatives of Bowel Cancer Australia.
