Carlton’s relationship with The Jodi Lee Foundation continues to grow every year, with the Blues getting behind their charity partner to raise awareness for bowel cancer prevention.
This weekend’s game against St Kilda at the MCG will mark the fourth year in a row Carlton has supported this crucial cause.
On Monday afternoon the founder and CEO of the Foundation, Nick Lee, returned to Ikon Park to give a powerful presentation to all coaches, players and staff about the importance of early detection.
Lee established the JLF in 2010 after the death of his wife Jodi, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer after showing very few symptoms. The mother of two was just 41 years of age. Nick has since worked tirelessly to raise awareness by bravely telling his story in hope of preventing others from going through similar heartache.
Forward Levi Casboult and ruckman Cameron Wood are ambassadors for the Foundation – both signing on for different reasons.
Casboult got involved after his uncle was diagnosed with the disease in 2014, while ruckman Cameron Wood was moved after hearing Nick’s story.
“Two years ago we had the Jodi Lee Foundation match against the Gold Coast Suns so I shared the hashtag #iknowsome1 and through that I had a lot of people contact me,” Wood said.
“Some were people I knew and there were some I didn’t know, but they all started telling me their story about how bowel cancer affected them…so I put my hand up and wanted to be an ambassador for it.”
Fortunately for Casboult’s uncle, he detected the cancer when it was at an early stage.
“Thankfully he was one of the lucky ones that got it early and has come out the other side of treatment,” Casboult said.
“It’s something that’s close to me and made me want to put my hand up and do what I can to get the awareness of bowel cancer out there.”
This weekend you can help raise awareness for bowel cancer by using the hashtag #iknowsome1 on social media. Everyone who participates will go in the draw to win a Garmin Activity Tracker valued at $220, as well as two Carlton change room passes.
Although 90 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated if detected early, it’s estimated 17,000 Australians will be diagnosed this year alone. Bowel cancer is also Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, claiming 5,000 lives each year.
For more information head to: www.iknowsome1.com.au or www.jodileefoundation.org.au
