My name is Amelia, Many of you already know my story, but in 2019, my life took an unforeseen twist when confronted with gastroparesis. This uninvited guest has reshaped my daily life, pushing me into a whirlwind of hospital visits, daunting procedures, and surgeries. But, in the middle of this storm, a flicker of determination burns within me, urging me to rise above my struggle and stand alongside the countless others fighting gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis, a name that holds a world of pain and uncertainty, is a tormentor of the stomach's natural rhythm, leaving it to empty at a snail's pace or sometimes not at all. Picture a life where even a simple meal becomes a battleground, where each bite brings the fear of unbearable pain or discomfort. This is the relentless reality that many like me confront, a reality we are determined to reshape.

As my health is deteriorating and I'm confronted with more challenges, I think: What if, someday, there will be a cure, and I won't have to live like this anymore? Your donation is hope, not just for me but for all those whose dreams have been crushed because of gastroparesis. It is the hope that one day I might say goodbye to the feeding tube, the hope to chase my dreams and make my goals come true, and most importantly, the hope that I will be okay.

This is why I am excited to share with you our fundraising initiative aimed at supporting the Western Sydney GI Motility Research Unit.

Our goal is clear: To find a cure for gastroparesis and improve the lives of those with it. The funds we raise will directly contribute to groundbreaking research that unravels this condition's complexities, leading us one step closer to discovering effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure. All money from the tickets to the fundraiser plus donations will go to research.

Your support means so much to me in this journey. By donating, you are investing in hope, in the promise of a brighter future where individuals like me can regain control over their lives and enjoy a meal without hesitation. Your contribution will help fund essential research, clinical trials, and the development of innovative therapies that can provide relief and renewed optimism to those battling gastroparesis.

Every dollar counts and brings us closer to our shared vision of a world where gastroparesis is no longer a barrier to living a fulfilling and vibrant life. I invite you to stand with me and participate in this transformative movement. Together, we can make a lasting impact and offer hope to countless individuals who deserve nothing less.

Your kindness might one day be the lifeline that saves me – your generosity gives me hope, a hope that perhaps one day I will say, "I once had gastroparesis."

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all attending the fundraiser and making donations.

With love,

From Amelia (Gastroparesis warrior) + Brindas family