Why we all need to ‘give a crap’ this Christmas
Bowel cancer – it’s the most common cancer affecting both men and women in New Zealand with more than 3,000 cases diagnosed each year. It’s unbelievable to think that 75% of cases are curable, but still too many Kiwis, our loved ones are dying because they are not willing to discuss their symptoms.
The team here at Cottonsoft are ‘giving a crap’ this Christmas by raising awareness about bowel cancer in the hope of reducing these shocking statistics.
Earlier this year, we partnered with Beat Bowel Cancer Aotearoa as an official sponsor and supporter. In the lead up to Christmas we are encouraging Kiwis to have an open conversation about bowel cancer warning signs through the ‘I Give A Crap’ campaign.
Our commitment to the campaign comes from a passion for the cause. Many here at Cottonsoft have a loved one or know of someone that has been affected by bowel cancer. For me, I have a personal connection. I lost my father following a bowel cancer diagnosis and a 10 year fight.
Having witnessed the impact of bowel cancer on my family, and knowing the vital difference early detection makes, it’s heart-breaking to think that so many Kiwis lose loved ones to what is a highly curable disease, if caught early.
In an effort to improve New Zealand’s survival rates, we have recruited the help of some well-known Kiwis to spread the word. Featuring in the below video, Nigel Latta, April Ieremia, Ben and Owen Franks, Valerie Adams, Sam Neill and more ask Kiwis to ‘give a crap this Christmas’.
To show you ‘give a crap’, there are a couple simple things you can do:
- Please have that slightly awkward conversation with your loved ones. It could help save a life.
- Share the ‘I Give A Crap’ video with family and friends via email and on your social networks (E.g. Facebook, Twitter) and include the hashtag #giveacrapnz.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the cause so far. We have received more than 6,000 views on YouTube and hope this continues to grow.
From the team here at Cottonsoft, please ‘give a crap’, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
For more information visit www.beatbowelcancer.org.nz