In 1997 my Mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer, in 2001, she lost that battle.
It wasn't until I was introduced to The Jodi Lee Foundation that I found out that if diagnosed early, 90 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be cured. Considering the simplicity of testing for this, doing something to raise the awareness of early detection was something I was keen to undertake.
In 2012 I took part in the Ride for the Little Black Dress from Canberra to Melbourne, In 2013 I ran the New York Marathon. This year, I am back on the bike to ride from Davenport to Hobart in Tasmania.
I actually did a similar route after Christmas 1998, that Mum organised after she was diagnosed. Mum was the only one of the group who rode every day of that tour. It shows the fight she had and its the inspiration for why I am continuing to help to raise the awareness.

Any support through sponsorship to help The Jodi Lee Foundation raise awareness further would be appreciated. Also, please go to the chemist, get a bowel screening test and use it. As 1 in 12 Australians will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime, it could be your own life you are saving.
Before taking part in a Jodi Lee Foundation event, bowel screening is encouraged, so before the ride in 2012, due to family history, I had a colonoscopy, a more evasive bowel screening, and 3 polyps were removed. It's these polyps, that in time, could lead to cancer.
As most people don't experience symptoms until the cancer becomes more advanced, I'm glad I took the test and will continue to regularly do so. Please do the same.