Bulletin #11 - 12 September 2025

 P2 Ponderings.

Ever the optimist, P2 welcomed Rotarians, visitors, guests, Tom Cobley and all to a sunny -but not for long - meeting! 

Our Master of Ceremonies Alison Thair conducted the induction of our four new members:

L to R:

Alison Thair, Carole O'Brien, Shaun O'Brien, Nargie Gasiroek and Lucy Gasiorek.

 Guest Speaker - Nick Lee OAM - Jodi Lee Foundation

Nick Lee was a director with Unilever, on posting in Vietnam in 2008 with his wife Jodi and their two children. Nick was away when Jodi rang complaining of constipation, abdominal pain and some bloating. Her doctor quickly recognised an obstruction in her bowel and ordered sans. Jodie had cancer and the tumor had all but blocked her bowel.

She was only 39 years old. 

After emergency surgery to remove the cancer Jodi and Nick received the worst news possible – the cancer had spread to Jodi’s lymph and liver. At best, she only had two years to live. One of the hardest things was telling their children, Jack and Arabella their mum was going to die.

Jodi passed away on 16 January 2010, a few days before her 41st birthday.

Before Jodi’s diagnosis she was fit and healthy. She had no family history and no symptoms
whatsoever, which is typical of bowel cancer. The saddest part of Jodi’s story is that it could have had a different ending if her bowel cancer had been detected early.
 
With that simple fact as the driving force, the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation was established in 2010.

Nick has worked with Rotary groups across the country and particularly in South Australia, raising awareness and fundraising. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) in 2019 and is keen to continue with Rotary partnerships here in WA.
 
Nick presented some facts about Bowel Cancer.

Jodi was only 39, yet the Government had only been sending out screening tests to people from the age of 50. You can now opt-in from 45, but the JLF is lobbying for it to be earlier. A sad fact is only 40% of Australians actually take the test…the message is Trust Your Gut and persist in checking.
 
We also heard from Kris Butler, who had his symptoms dismissed as being too young for bowel cancer. It was initially diagnosed as hemorrhoids. After persisting on further testing, his cancer was diagnosed in time for successful treatment. He continued an active life, including playing football with an Ostomy bag! 

 Nick gave guidelines on how to "BEAT" bowel cancer:

 B = Be healthy and active; quit smoking, limit alcohol, exercise regularly, sit less, increase fibre in your diet, avoid charred & processed meat, eat fruit & vegetables every day

E = Explore your family history
A = Act on symptoms

T = Take a screening test

The JLF is conducting workplace programs and education about bowel cancer. A major initiative will be a special breakfast to be held during the upcoming Perth Cricket Test in late November, as part of the Ashes series against England. Well known International cricketers Ian Botham and Justin Langer will be Ambassadors for the Foundation.
 
Nick asked that we include the Symptom Checker in our Bulletin. That can be accessed via using the QR code below, or go to www.trustyourgut.com.au (http://www.trustyourgut.com.au/) 

Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
Angus F - Fundraising committee meeting following breakfast

Brian J - Member satisfaction survey been sent out - please complete as per instructions or ask for a hard copy.

Owen F - Guess Who's Coming to Dinner on Saturday 20th, register now as host or guest

Gerry McG - Thanked everyone for attending Peter Craig's memorial service and read out a letter of thanks from Denny Craig.

Gerry McG - Linen project is on 8am tomorrow so please bring gloves.

Wayne M - Remember pilot car adventure 9.30am Sunday 21 September for about 90 minutes to follow a route. RSVP Wayne on 0414 249 972 for further details.

 
The very "Fine(s)" Madame Lash strikes again!

• One Acronym too far - PP, DG Veronica who was sent a pic of past member and wife (Jon and Maryellen Godfrey, who send their fondest retards to everyone) and failed, FAILED to insert into last week's Bulletin - so here it is!

• P2 - for his bicycle turning his pinkie blue...
• Who knows what a NIMBY is or what FOMO means? Pay up if you don't know.
• P1 - lovely speech at Peter Craig's memorial of life - but a bit disconcerting when you pace...
• Alison Thair - for all those soppy posts Colin puts on FB about his "wonderful/lovely" wife whilst on holiday... we all know you're fabulous! 
• The three R's - "reading 'riting and 'rithmatic" now its 'Roger, Rita and Raceway' - dollars from those who don't support it.
• Owen for not turning up in time to dress the club
• New inductees Lucy, Nargie, Shaun and Carole
• Kim Paine for her colourful 'travelogue' of Lucy and Nargie 

Attendees

42 attendees including guest speaker Nick Lee and his guests Alison Neish, & Kris Butler, visitors Shaun and Carole O'Brien, Lucy and Nargie Gasiorek, Rhonda Kremmer, Chris Pittman, Nick Brew and visiting Rotarian Bill Boekman.