Jodi Lee was living in Vietnam with her husband Nick and two young children when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer - the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia.
At just 39, she was told she only had two years to live. She died in 2010, a few days before her 41st birthday.
Now, more than 10 years after his wife's death, Nick Lee - who established the Jodi Lee Foundation in his wife's memory - is urging Aussies to honour mothers who have been impacted by bowel cancer and particularly those who have lost their lives to the disease this Mother's Day.
The foundation is calling on people to host a Mother's Day brunch during May at home or celebrate at your local eatery with your family and friends and collecting donations.
Nick Lee said funds raised will go towards helping eliminate bowel cancer. "Over these 10 years, we've saved many lives by raising awareness and educating the community about Australia's second biggest cancer killer," he said.
For Jodi Lee Foundation Community Engagement Manager, Samantha Herbut - whose mum Billie died from bowel cancer in 2017 - the cause is 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," she said.
"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."
Aside from raising funds and honouring those impacted by bowel cancer the foundation is hoping the fundraising brunch will also highlight ways people can prevent bowel cancer: being healthy and active, taking a screening test, acting on symptoms and 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."
Win a diamond pendant
Hosts who raise over $300 for the foundation will go in the draw to win a diamond pendant from Mazzucchelli's valued at $1129.
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 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 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.
For more information visit jodileefoundation.org.au
Geraldine Cardozo
Features Editor at The Senior.
Features Editor at The Senior.
