Our story begins with Jodi Lee. In 2008 Jodi, husband Nick and their two children were living in Vietnam. Happily married for 12 years and having the time of their lives, living and working overseas, bowel cancer was the furthest thing from their minds.

Nick was away when Jodi rang complaining of constipation, abdominal pain and some bloating. Her doctor quickly recognised an obstruction and ordered scans. Jodi had cancer and the tumour had all but blocked her bowel. She was only 39.

With no family history or symptoms, the diagnosis hit Jodi and Nick hard. After a successful operation to remove the tumour, they received the worst news possible – the cancer had spread to Jodi’s lymph and liver. At best, she only had two years to live.

The hardest thing was telling their young children Jack and Arabella that their Mum was going to die. Jodi was 41 when she passed away on 16 January 2010. The saddest part of Jodi’s story is that it could have been different if her bowel cancer was detected early.

With that simple fact as our driving force, Nick Lee established the Jodi Lee Foundation in 2010.

Today we continue to share Jodi’s story as it resonates with so many people and impacts thousands of lives. We encourage all Australians to take active steps to prevent bowel cancer  – screen regularly from age 50, act quickly on symptoms, know your family history and be healthy.

If you would like to partner with us or help make a difference, please visit our website at www.jodileefoundation.org.au

Jodi Lee Foundation

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