Gastroparesis Awareness...Because It Matters

I personally have suffered with Gastroparesis for several years, but was undiagnosed until last year. It is hard to explain how many trips to ER and stays in the Hospital happened before I was diagnosed, but since then, I have had a G/J tube inserted, it happened to be in the wrong place, so after 5 weeks of unspeakable pain and discomfort, it was placed in the correct place. I have still failed to improve, my weight went from a healthy 130 to a scary 92. Within a week, I am scheduled to have a Total Gastric Bypass, no more stomach, period. I have met through my journey so many who suffer through this disease, which usually begins with unbearable pain, nausea, vomiting - and ER visits with dr's who likely haven't even heard of Gastroparesis. Same goes for some Primary Care Givers, they have so little knowledge of this, and literally millions of people are starving because their stomach simply doesn't work anymore. I designed these images for myself, but they were so well received they turned in to T Shirts, and in turn will turn into a donation to GPact - "G-PACT is dedicated to providing assistance to patients and families affected by gastroparesis and/or intestinal pseudo-obstruction in order to improve quality of life and decrease fears surrounding the conditions. We aim to provide hope to those who have lost it, support to those who need it, and knowledge to those who do not understand this condition.

G-PACT is a legal 501(c)3 non-profit and was founded on Aug. 23, 2001 by a number of people who have been affected by gastroparesis or chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in some manner.The officers know what it is like to deal with GP/CIP, the needs that patients have, and problems they encounter. That experience is what makes us so strong.

G-PACT is dedicated to providing a network of resources for GP and CIP patients, medical professionals, and the general population. All of our services are provided free of charge. We rely 100% on donations and grants. Our staff is fully voluntary and no one is paid for their services. This allows us to use 100% of all funding towards our awareness and operating expenses."

Please join us in making people aware of this terrible disease, so that millions more don't need to suffer unnecessarily and diagnosis and treatment can begin sooner.