The Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation today launched a new initiative for Mother’s Day – a way to celebrate the mum at the table and the mum in our hearts.

The Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation encourages Australians to participate in this fundraiser by either hosting a JLF Mother’s Day Brunch in the month of May at home, in the workplace or celebrating at your local eatery with family and friends and collecting donations for this worthwhile and special cause.

It’s a special way to honour mothers who have been impacted by bowel cancer and particularly those who have lost their lives to bowel cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia.

Funds raised will assist the Foundation continue to spread awareness about bowel cancer prevention and to deliver other services to the community, such as their Workplace Program and online symptom checker.

Hosts who raise over $300 for the Foundation with their Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation Mother’s Day Brunch will go in the draw to win a beautiful diamond pendant from Mazzucchelli’s valued at $1,129. The pendant is part of the Every Child is a Diamond collection where the movement of the diamond in the middle of the pendant is designed to represent the heartbeat of each child.

More than 15,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year. The Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation educates the community about the importance of screening from age 50, acting quickly on symptoms and living a healthy lifestyle for the prevention and early detection of bowel cancer – because if detected early, over 99% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.

For Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation Community Engagement Manager, Samantha Herbut, this cause is extremely close to her heart.

“Since my mum’s passing, I always find this time difficult, especially given it is also a few days before her birthday. By being a part of this initiative and raising awareness, it helps to heal old wounds and take time to honour my mum. It makes me feel like I am doing something I know she would be proud of.”

“On 17 November 2017 my mum Billie passed away from bowel cancer. Overall, I really admire how positive and strong she was throughout the last four years.”

Aside from raising funds and honouring those impacted by bowel cancer and those who we have tragically lost to bowel cancer, the Foundation is hoping that the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation Mother’s Day Brunch also raises awareness around ways people can prevent bowel cancer – being healthy and active, taking a screening test, acting on symptoms and also exploring your family history.

If there is a history of bowel cancer in your family, you may be at increased risk. Regardless of your age, consult your GP to understand your risk and discuss bowel screening methods best suited to your situation.

“Now with a family history, my sister and I have been tested. The rule of thumb is to be tested 10 years prior to your relatives’ first diagnosis. My sister found several polyps at the age of 31”, said Samantha.

“During her time battling bowel cancer, my mum became such an advocate for testing and the importance of not delaying a test – mum actually delayed her testing by four years. What I’ve learnt going through this experience with my family is that life is too short. Look after yourself, be aware and don’t delay – it may just save your life.

During her time battling bowel cancer, my mum became such an advocate for testing and the importance of not delaying a test

Through the support of Woodside Cheese Wrights and Woodstock Wines, participating hosts also have the option to place an order with the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation to purchase a hamper to help make their brunch even more special.

As the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation celebrates its 10th year, Founder and Chair Nick Lee, who lost Jodi Lee, his wife and mother of his two children to bowel cancer at the age of 41, is hoping people will host a Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation Mother’s Day Brunch to raise funds and help eliminate bowel cancer, “Over these ten years, we’ve saved many lives by raising awareness and educating the community about Australia’s second biggest cancer killer – bowel cancer.”

The Jodie Lee Foundation also raises funds through other events throughout the year, including The JLF Trek.
On 22 May, the Foundation will formally celebrate its 10th anniversary with the Jodi Lee Foundation 10 Year Anniversary Gala at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Click here to register your Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation Mothers’ Day Brunch or for further information.