I'm taking part in this event to raise awareness about preventing bowel cancer, an insidious disease that ruins lives of not only the cancer patient, but their family and friends. My friend Catherine was very good friends with Emily, who passed away way too young leaving behind 2 beautiful children and a husband. A family friends daughter was diagnosed with bowel cancer during her pregnancy and fought a huge battle but passed away 12 months after the birth of her daughter. Another friend was diagnosed in his mid 30's but he was so very lucky that he advocated for himself after having early symptoms and touch wood, he is in the clear and will live a long life with his beautiful wife and 3 kids. My own father was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer when I was 32 weeks pregnant with our 2nd child in 2018. He continues to fight every day and the debilitating impacts of the toxic chemo regimes are evident to everyone. This also means I am at a higher risk of developing this disease but I am fortunate that I can take preventative measures.
Bowel cancer seems to be more and more prevalent but hopefully, through more discussions and awareness, the chances of more people losing their lives will decrease.