Blendtec Winner

Congrats Cindy B., you were picked through the random generator to receive a new Blendtec!  Look for an email/FB message with details.

Thank you everyone for the donations so far.  Packages with GP Walk wear and jewelry will be shipped tomorrow morning and should arrive no later than Friday so you can participate from afar on the 6th.

Those of you attending the walk, a 2nd chance for a Blendtec will be happening at our booth and your orders will be waiting for you and look forward to meeting you all very soon!

Tummy Gummies - REAL Food Recipe

Last year I shared a recipe for GP Gela-tea, a simple and soothing treat to have during a liquid diet or even just to snack on for some extra easy to digest nutrients.  As I wrote previously, it is shocking to be in a hospital for stomach problems and then be served coffee, Ensure (which has always made me worse) and jello.  The jello we are used to seeing, the neon red and green food most of us grew up on, is loaded with sugar, artificial flavoring, and color, all of which can possibly wreak havoc an a sensitive tummy.  
My own version, using herbal tea blends and gelatin I trust, was just what I needed when not feeling well.  Now I would like to share a new recipe using REAL fruit!

A-Wear-Ness Blendtec Giveaway #2!

With only a few weeks left before our 3rd annual GP walk, it's time to share once again one of my favorite, most generous sponsor's, Blendtec.  Just like last year they have donated 2 brand new blenders, each retailing at $500.  One of these will be up for the silent auction during the event on September 6th.  The other I would like to give you a chance to win.

Alive with HPN: A Life to Adjust To and Making the Most of It

I would like to take a few minutes and talk about TPN, how it has affected my life, and most recently the work I do.

Not only is August Gastroparesis Awareness month (which we are currently raising funds for), but August 3-9 is HPN Awareness Week.  HPN, TPN, what is all of this you might ask?

Stress Free?

"Saying yes to happiness means learning to say no to things and people that stress you out." 
Thema Davis

In my experience, there are two things that can really set a person off who lives with an invisible illness (ex. functional GI disorders).  One, "but you don't look sick," and two, "you just need to stop stressing out!"
I don't know about you but the latter seems to come up quite frequently in my life.  Especially when I am feeling better and begin to become productive and active again.  There seems to be a cycle of feeling better, doing more, a flare up,  then back to square one.  Square one usually means severe pain, bloating, nausea and/or fatigue.  Then it's time for more rest, frequent acupuncture visits, short walks, broth and gentle foods.

According to Psychology Today:
"Stress is simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium. In other words, it's an omnipresent part of life. A stressful event can trigger the “fight-or-flight” response, causing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to surge through the body. A little bit of stress, known as “acute stress,” can be exciting—it keeps us active and alert. But long-term, or “chronic stress,” can have detrimental effects on health. You may not be able to control the stresses in your world, but you can alter your reaction to them."

A-Wear-Ness T-shirt's Available

The GP Walk t-shirt's are now available through the GP Walk Store.  See post below for details.  Just a few notes...

1. Price is buy one $20 get one for $10. I know a lot of you have family members or friends who might want one so this cuts down cost a bit while still raising funds for research (100%, after wholesale cost, goes to DHA).
2. We need to put in final request for print by August 15th so if you get yours before then it allows us to estimate the total amount to order.
3. If you are not close enough to attend the actual event, then please select the $5 shipping charge with order. Max 4 per package. Otherwise we will have your t-shirts saved for you at the booth day of walk.
4. Jewelry is also available, made by 2 very talented GP fighters.

Let me know if you have any questions. 

GP Awareness Walk 2014

I'm happy to announce that we did indeed pull it off (better late than never!) and will be hosting the 3rd annual Awareness Walk for Gastroparesis and Digestive Health.

The event this year will take place on Saturday, September 6th here in Bellingham, WA.  Like previous years it will begin at the farmer's market downtown at 10am with our educational booth, offering handouts, a silent auction, t-shirts (new color this year!) and even more people like myself, living with the challenges of GP ready to share their stories.   The walk itself begins at noon, a beautiful, scenic trail along the bay towards Boulevard Park and back.  Silent auction ends at 2pm and the event at 2:30. Prizes include a brand new Blendtec blender (retails $500), running and bike gear packages, gift certificates including Trader Joe's, colorful knitted hats and more).
Check out this link to read a review and view pictures from the previous years.  It has always been an absolute fantastic time, not only spreading awareness and raising money for research, but the excitement of coming together for a great cause, something to give us hope and connect with others.

Due to the late planning this year we are still working on gathering sponsors to help cover the costs (trail, t-shirts, print, etc), as well as donate funds for research (again going to the Digestive Health Alliance) and/or product for auction.

My favorite part, the Awareness Walk t-shirts have been created and are ready to go to print.  What we need from you is an idea of how many to order so we don't overspend or run short!

Shirts this year are available both in ladies v-neck or men's crew neck.  Ladies, if you prefer crew neck no worries, just order what you would were in a men's size!  They are made by Bella, which we chose to go with after falling in love with Hope's Alley awareness T that was super soft to the skin and available for the same price as previous American Apparel brand.

Below is the design.  The colors will be in the lines, this is just a proof for print.  If you would like to pre-order please go to the store link.  Orders placed by August 15th will also receive an option for Macrobar samples and coupons.

Thanks for your support and I'll be updating soon!