'It will be nice to get to a stage where we don’t have to fight to be heard ...' ~ Natalie

This episode of The Bottom Line Podcast delves into the impact of a collective voice as Natalie and Andrew discuss the importance of Bowel Cancer Australia’s preeminent advocacy event, Call on Canberra and how four years in they are seeing the tide shift with policy makers.

"Call on Canberra is very special. I felt like this year was different for the politicians. Our voice together is incredibly powerful, and the change is really being seen now.” ~ Natalie

Sharing their personal stories both Natalie and Andrew discuss the barriers they experienced to diagnosis, the impact on them and their families and the need for greater awareness and investment in research.

An electrician, Andrew discusses how despite being NED, the major effect bowel cancer has had on his lifestyle. “I couldn’t leave the bathroom - I was literally stuck at home for 3 months and not knowing if I was ever going to be able to work and provide for my family again was very scary.”

While Natalie (a stage 4 patient) discusses the ongoing mental drain of dealing with a lifetime of treatment as she juggles life as a single Mum.

Listen now to Andrew and Natalie as they discuss the lasting friendships they have developed through Call on Canberra and how together they hope their voice can make a difference on The Bottom Line Podcast.