Mum and Daughter Duo, Carys & Sara, On Why They Signed Up To Move Your Butt

“I was diagnosed with a hepatic flexure adenocarcinoma after a colonoscopy last April. The only symptom I had was slight stomach irritation for a few months. One particularly strange, intense sore tummy led me to seek further investigation. I had no bleeding or changes in bowel habits but in hindsight, I had been suffering from fatigue. 

I had a right hemicolectomy in May where the surgeon removed a third of my bowel and joined my large and small intestine. During the operation, they found the cancer had spread through the bowel wall and to my omentum and was found in 4 lymph nodes, making me stage 4. The cancer was all resected at that time. 

I have just completed a gruelling 12 rounds of Folfox chemo over 6 months. I currently have no evidence of disease (from the last scan anyway), with the next colonoscopy and CT scan in May. 

I was a healthy person before cancer. I ate healthily and had a good base of strength and fitness. I stayed active throughout treatment even though some days it was tough to get my body moving. 

I tried to walk every day, even though on some occasions I had to cover my face due to the cold sensitivity from chemo, and I had no strength in my legs and had to be pushed up hills. 

Walking was important for my mental health during that time as I spent a lot of time lying around in bed, and it always helped me feel better. I am sure that the regular exercise has helped with my recovery also. 

It has also always helped me to have fitness goals. I have joined the Move Your Butt 100k challenge to keep challenging myself and encourage others to do the same. I walk every day for the physical and mental health benefits. It is also a great way to get the circulation going in my feet as I have been left with neuropathy from chemotherapy. 

The other goal I set early on after diagnosis was for my sister and I to cycle the Alps to Ocean route (on electric bikes) in the South Island. This is quickly coming up in March. 

I am supporting Bowel Cancer NZ to raise awareness of the rising numbers of those getting diagnosed with bowel cancer, especially under 50. Breast cancer and melanoma were on my radar, but not bowel cancer. I urge everyone, if something doesn’t feel right, to seek medical advice and get a colonoscopy. Trust your gut!” 

Sara’s daughter, Cary, is also taking part in the Move Your Butt challenge this year and is proudly serving as the Brand Ambassador for the campaign. Here’s Cary’s inspiring story: 

“I have 2 sisters, one older and one younger who has autism. We were all shocked to hear of Mum’s diagnosis, especially because she was fit and healthy. I was in the middle of my netball season playing for the Mystics when I found out, which made the netball space very challenging for me. But doing exercise and getting away from reality really helped me through this difficult time. 

Mum is very in tune with her body, and when she started having these pains in her stomach, cancer was the last thing we had expected. It was not only hard because she was our rock, but because we also had my little sister to worry about, who depends so highly on Mum. 

I’m raising money for Bowel Cancer NZ because after Mum got it, I looked into it and saw that there was no government help. I wanted to help, not only for Mum but for everyone else affected. I’m moving my butt for everyone who can’t. 

Mum was so fit and healthy, and even through chemo, she would go for a walk and work out. But sometimes she really didn’t want to do anything. So I’m doing it for everyone who can’t and feel so grateful to be able to do what I do every day.” 

What an inspiring story of strength and determination! If you’ve been moved by this story, why not join the challenge yourself? Whether it’s walking, running, cycling, or anything that gets you moving, every step helps raise awareness and funds for bowel cancer. Sign up here https://bit.ly/MoveYourButt2025