A woman who led a healthy and active lifestyle was shocked when she received a devastating diagnosis of bowel cancer after experiencing unexpected symptoms. Rachel Reed, a resident of Wales, maintained her health through exercise and a balanced diet, believing herself to be at low risk for cancer due to her healthy habits.
Despite her proactive approach to health, Rachel’s world changed when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 33 after enduring symptoms of abdominal pain and fatigue for 18 months. The symptoms, initially dismissed as unrelated issues, caught Rachel off guard when she finally received the diagnosis.
Following the diagnosis, Rachel underwent extensive treatment, including surgeries and chemotherapy, over a two-year period. She received a clean bill of health in April 2020 and has since focused on recovering and rebuilding her life, sharing her story to raise awareness and support Cancer Research Wales.
On World Cancer Research Day, Rachel, now 40, is advocating for early detection by sharing her experience and supporting Cancer Research Wales’ fundraising efforts. She emphasizes the importance of awareness, especially among young and healthy individuals, urging others to take preventive measures against cancer.
To support the cause, Rachel is participating in Cancer Research Wales’ Stripe a Pose campaign, which encourages people to raise funds through dancing and movement. The initiative involves wearing striped clothing and sharing photos or videos on social media with the hashtag #StripeAPose, aiming to unite people in Wales in a positive and impactful way.
Welsh TikTok star Lewis Leigh, who lost a family member to cancer, has also joined the campaign by creating a dance routine to engage and inspire others to participate. The campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, emphasizing the collective effort needed to combat the disease.
Adam Fletcher, CEO of Cancer Research Wales, expressed gratitude for Rachel’s support and urged the community to unite against cancer by participating in the Stripe a Pose campaign. The initiative, which has successfully brought people together over the past three years, aims to mobilize individuals across Wales in the fight against cancer through fundraising and awareness-building activities.