Gastroparesis Awareness Fund

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR RAISING INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS FOR GASTROPARESIS!

Please send your photos to share:
gpawarenessfund@yahoo.com

Amanda Michelle Seyfried began her career as a child model when she was 11 and at 15 began her career as an actress, starting off with uncredited roles and moving on to recurring roles on As the World Turns and All My Children.

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Jersey Shore... GTL TIME!
Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign magnetic car ribbons as the ones shown with Snooki & Deena are available for order and as always... FREE SHIPPING!

Send your request to us at: gpawarenessfund@yahoo.com

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR GASTROPARESIS STORY WITH THE WORLD?

*The Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign would like to share your GP Journey in 2024*

We are looking for fellow Gastroparesis patients, family, friends and loved ones interested in sharing their GP Journey. Please submit your story with a bio photo:

gpawarenessfund@yahoo.com

GP JOURNEY 2024

Hi, my name is Carrie

A GP Warrior Of Many Years!!

My Journey started over 17 years ago when I got pregnant with our 1st child, Tyler. I had severe heartburn and regurgitation throughout all three of my pregnancies which unfortunately never improved after I gave birth. With every pregnancy, my symptoms got worse and throughout my last 2 pregnancies I was so sick that along with taking PPI’s for heartburn I had to be put on Zofran for nausea and vomiting and was even put on bed rest for the last few months of my pregnancies. After having my 3rd child, Rachel, in 2008 life got busy and we focused on our family and raising our three beautiful children. I continued having severe heartburn and regurgitation but simply relied on PPI medications to try and reduce the symptoms although it rarely helped. Our middle child, Abbie unfortunately had some health issues of her own that we were dealing with, so I temporarily pushed aside my own health problems to focus on her in helping together better along with also focusing on raising our young family of 5. After years of hospital admissions, tests, procedures, and tracking/journaling things, Abbie was finally diagnosed with CVS (cyclical vomiting syndrome) which we were finally able to manage through help from her GI team, medications and learning what the triggers were. I’m happy to say that currently she is healthy and taking control of her CVS.

As years went by and our kids continued to grow, & life only got busier as all three were involved in traveling soccer and both the girls were in competitive dance. With that being said, I continued to focus on raising our kids and enjoyed being involved in all their sports and activities. I did not completely brush my own health issues aside, as I continued to have occasional appointments w/my G.I. specialists where I had previously been diagnosed with severe Gerd.

Jumping ahead to 2017 ~ I got sick in September and ended up needing to have my appendix removed. Following my surgery to remove my appendix I decided it was time to move forward with my GI- GERD/Acid Reflux problems and went ahead w/having my 1st Nissan Fundoplication with hiatal hernia surgery (full 360 wrap). Unfortunately, following that surgery I had many complications including dysphasia/swallowing/motility issues as well as esophageal spasms. I also got nauseous & regurgitated often which lead to all my GERD symptoms returning and caused my wrap to slip, pushing my stomach up into my esophagus. I had many follow ups with my surgeon & my GI specialists as well was referred to Rochester Mayo (in my home state of MN) because my case was complicated. I had several appointments, tests, labs, and procedures but my GI symptoms continued to worsen. Needless to say after trying several other options to avoid another surgery, there was no choice left, but to move forward to have the redo Nissan Fundoplication with hiatal hernia surgery (due to the 1st one failing, the return of GI symptoms & complications). Prior to me having the redo Nissan surgery, I had my 1st gastric emptying study and that is when I was initially diagnosed with Gastroparesis (delay of emptying of the stomach). At that point my Gastroparesis was mild to the point where I did not need to be on medication for it.

Following my redo Nissan surgery in December 2018 (where they converted my wrap from a full to a partial to help w/swallowing problems), my Gastroparesis symptoms flared up and I ended up in the hospital longer than expected. They started me on Reglan along with Zofran & Ativan to help with nausea/vomiting and just 2 months later ordered my 2nd gastric emptying study. By now my wrap from the redo Nissan surgery was already slipping/failing because of all my nausea, reaching and vomiting (which btw, you’re not supposed to be able to throw up after a Nissan) . It was after this GES that showed and confirmed my Gastroparesis had gotten worse and is now more severe.

Unfortunately the Reglan that is supposed to help with Gastroparesis was not working for me and was causing side effects (extreme exhaustion and eye twitching). I had to stop taking the Reglan due to these side effects. Since discontinuing the Reglan, some of my energy level has improved (which being a daycare provider, I highly depend on my energy) however I still get eye twitches off & on daily and continue to vomit and get nauseous. I tire very easily due to the lack of food and nutrients I am able to consume along with getting sick often, however thankfully am able to continue to work (and truly believe the love I have as a daycare provider helps me push through each and every day....could never give that up)!

They do not know the exact cause of my Gastroparesis. I have lost a lot of weight over the years due to my severe GERD /Gastroparesis illnesses and continue to struggle to maintain or gain weight. I have had to change my eating habits drastically and have been on a liquid/soft diet for over a year. I now am forced to live on a very specific diet plan and rely on Ensure to help give my body the much needed nutrients that are depleted due to my Gastroparesis.

This brings me to where I am at today. Since Reglan does not work for me and is no longer an option we are forced to continue with more testing and GI appointments in search for other medications to try and help with these awful symptoms. The suggestion of needing a feeding tube has been brought to my attention a few times and although I am trying my very best to avoid that route, if that is my next option after trying a few more meds, than I am all for it! I will do whatever is needed so I can get better to be here for my family and friends and to continue to watch my kids grow. Through all of this I somehow remain positive and hopeful. I have my amazing support system, friends and family to thank for this as they have been and are my rock!

I struggle with finding hope and a cure for this awful disease. I do my best to walk & get light exercise everyday when I'm not feeling sick. And even though I have had to adjust my lifestyle, I still enjoy spending time with my family, children, & friends.

I thank God everyday that I am still here as I continue this journey searching for a cure & fighting to kick this disease.

Carrie W

Looking for a cure to this disease

Have you been diagnosed with either idiopathic or diabetic gastroparesis? If so, you might qualify for a clinical study for a new medication for nausea and the symptoms of gastroparesis.

Request to join study: https://gpvandastudy.com/

This study is sponsored by VANDA Pharma Inc

The Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign is honored to join hands with the Royal Melbourne Hospital & Swinburne University of Technology located in Hawthorn Victoria, Australia by announcing their new online Gastroparesis-focused information and psychological support service.

https://www.Gastroparesis.Mindovergut.com/

Information provided on Gastroparesis.mindovergut.com includes: What is Gastroparesis disease, its symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and management. Gastroparesis.mindovergut.com also offers information about the impact of Gastroparesis disease in relation to mental health, including anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep.

Gastroparesis.mindovergut.com provides a free online 5-week evidence-based psychologically focused optimal health and resilience program to help individuals living with Gastroparesis.

AVAILABLE ONLINE!

'The Gastroparesis Friendly Diet'

Helping those with Gastroparesis by providing better food choices!

*Created by Gastroparesis patients through years of food trial and error

-See left tab for more information

A Huge "SHOUT OUT!

Counts Kustoms-Counting Cars

Many, many thanks to Danny, Mike, Roli, Scott, Kevin & the entire crew at Counts Kustoms for honoring those who fight the great GP fight!

~KH-Founder

"JACKIE CHAN"

Joins the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Team!

Jackie Chan, (born Chan Kong-sang, 陳港生; 7 April 1954 in Hong Kong) is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer, and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts. He is one of the few actors that did all of his stunts in all of his films. Jackie Chan has been acting since the 1960s and has appeared in over 150 films.

Jason Lively & Cast

Helping to raise GP Awareness & Education

Gastroparesis guest speakers available for special events.

For further information please send offline requests to:

gpawarenessfund@yahoo.com

John Travolta & Family

Continuing joining hands with the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Organiztation

THE GASTROPARESIS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS

"KNOTS OF LOVE"

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Christine M. Fabiani-Founder, Executive Director

Knots of Love’s primary goal is to brighten the lives of those in need with kindness and love. All Knots of Love creations are given free of charge to people who are battling cancer or other life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

http://www.knotsoflove.org/

Thank you to Christine and her amazing organization along with the many volunteers who give their time helping to spread love and support to patients all over the world, "ONE KNOT AT A TIME!"

Gastroparesis Patient Advocate-Pennsylvania

Debby With The Official March 2013 Gastroparesis Awareness Proclamation

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a digestive motility disorder where the vagus nerve is damaged. The muscles and nerves of the stomach, intestines and other GI organs become paralyzed. This condition delays food emptying from the stomach and other GI organs which can result in serious complications and further gastrointestinal problems. 1 out of every 2 diabetics will develop Gastroparesis. This is 50 percent of all patients.

-National Institutes of Health estimates there are over 5 million Gastroparesis patients in the United States. Lack of medical education of Gastroparesis and patients not being properly diagnosed are still left untreated, suffering in silence.

*Gastroparesis is most commonly caused by diabetes, but can also be hereditary or occur as a result of surgery on the stomach or vagus nerve, viral infections, food poisoning, MS/Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease, stroke, medications that slow contractions in the intestines such as anticholinergics and narcotics, gastric bypass, lap band, gastric sleeve surgery, smooth muscle disorders, Scleroderma, Amyloidosis, gastro esophageal reflux disease, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, Mitochondrial Disease, chemo/radiation therapy, Bells Palsy syndrome, Ramsey Hunt syndrome, Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia.

*Idiopathic Gastroparesis has no known origin. Many diagnostic tests can be performed however it is still unknown to the medical profession the cause of those patients who suffer from this more rare type of Gastroparesis.

"The Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Organization"

Our mission is to spread world wide international public awareness and education for this debilitating GI disorder.

The most important issue will be continued communication with local Government on increasing federal funds for research and development. We also hold yearly public awareness activities helping to educate all state citizens and health professionals about Gastroparesis. The Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign team keeps in close communication with current bio-tech companies conducting research for possible future Gastroparesis drugs.

*Don't forget to check back for our upcoming

**12TH ANNUAL**
UNITED GP WALK
OCTOBER 2024

A yearly international event raising Gastroparesis Awareness one person at a time! :)

TOGETHER WE WILL FIGHT FOR A CURE!

Gastroparesis Patient Advocate-Texas

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Kaitlin With The Official March 2013 Gastroparesis Awareness Proclamation

-The Key to Success for Gastroparesis is Awareness

A huge THANK YOU to all of our Governors!

*In response to the open hunting of wolves in the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign has decided to no longer affiliate with either state government but will continue providing support for ALL Gastroparesis patients residing in both states. We do not condone hunting as a sport of these sacred animals.

God’s creatures both big and small quickly replace what lacks in compassion with society. Animals bring what patients who are sick and terminally ill need, which is, “Unconditional Love and Companionship.”

-The Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Team & Founder

Many Thanks To:
Governor Eric Holcomb of Indiana-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-October 2017

Governor Susana Martinez of New Mexico-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-May 2013

Governor Nathan Deal of Georgia-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-May 2013

Governor Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-March 2013

Governor Rick Perry of Texas-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-March 2013

Governor John. R Kasich of Ohio-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-October 2011

Governor Mike Beebe of Arkansas-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-October 2011

Governor John A. Kitzhaber, M.D. of Oregon-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-June 2011

Governor Chet Culver of Iowa-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-July 2010

Governor Martin O' Malley of Maryland-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-February 2010

Governor Charlie Crist of Florida, Governor Jim Gibbons of Nevada-Gastroparesis Awareness Month-August 2009

Governor David Paterson of New York, Governor Bev Perdue of North Carolina-Gastroparesis & Digestive Awareness-June 2009

Governor Deval L. Patrick of Massachusetts-Gastroparesis & Digestive Awareness-February 2009

Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi-Gastroparesis & Digestive Awareness-August 2008

Governor Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania-Gastroparesis & Digestive Citizen Awareness-May 2008

Governor Phil Bredesen of Tennessee-Gastroparesis & Digestive Awareness-April 2008

Governor Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, Governor Ted Kulongoski of Oregon-Gastroparesis & Digestive Awareness-March 2008

Governor Dave Freudenthal of Wyoming, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco of Louisiana, Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio, Governor Mitchell E. Daniels Jr of Indiana-Gastroparesis & Digestive Awareness-March 2007

Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona & Governor M. Jodi Rell of Connecticut-Gastroparesis & Digestive Awareness-October 2007

Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina-Gastroparesis & Digestive Awareness-December 2007

Governor James E. Risch-Idaho-Gastroparesis & Digestive Motility Awareness-October 2006

Governor Ernie Fletcher-Kentucky, Governor Bill Richardson-New Mexico, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm-Michigan, Governor Rod Blagojevich-Illinois, Governor John E. Baldacci-Maine, Governor Matt Blunt-Missouri, Governor Jon S. Corzine-New Jersey, Governor Christine O. Gregoire-Washington-Gastroparesis & Digestive Awareness-May 2006

*Official state proclamations are the sole possession of the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Organization. We are not affiliated with any other Gastroparesis or GI organization.

Queen Elizabeth & The Prince of Wales show their Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign support!

As of October 1, 2024 the Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign has successfully filled over 20,334,297 server requests. Let's continue to grow these numbers by educating the public and raising worldwide Gastroparesis Awareness one person at a time!

KEEP ON! KEEPING ON!

Gastroparesis Awareness Campaign Organization

© February 27th, 2006
www.gastroparesisawareness.com

Email:
gpawarenessfund@yahoo.com

"Spreading International Gastroparesis Awareness One Person At A Time"

You My Friend Will Never Again Walk Alone