OUR MISSION
Advocating for Change
RUBYS STORY
A bright life. A Lasting Impact
It is also a story that reflects the level of care and treatment received by many of the sufferers of Gastroparesis and chronic illnesses, in both New Zealand and overseas.
Ruby died on April 29th 2019 after a fiercely fought battle with Idiopathic Gastroparesis. This is not the outcome we could have ever expected. She showed exceptional strength and bravery and we are stepping up to the plate to continue to raise her voice.
The following is her story and highlights the difficulties that she experienced with her care during her many many hospital admissions.
How labels of "its all in your head" and "anorexia" prevented her from being given the treatment she needed.
It was Ruby’s desire throughout her illness to improve care for not just herself, but anyone else struggling within the medical system.
FUND RAISING
Online raffles, auctions and anniversary lunches in honour of Ruby and all patients.
DONATING
The money from our funding has gone towards more research into Gastroparesis
PATIENT CARE
Ruby's Voice mission is to create change and speak up for those who get lost in the system.
ADVOCATING
Ruby's Voice mission is to create change and speak up for those who get lost in the system.
FUNDING TOWARDS RESEARCH
Fixing the Electrics Behind Gut Misery
Bioengineering researchers are looking at the role of electric signal malfunction in gut problems
Meanwhile, Tremain has been going in different directions geographically too.
In May, a travel award took him to Chicago for the Digestive Disease Week conference, the biggest annual clinical meet-up in the gut field. In August, he travelled to Silicon Valley as part of the University of Auckland’s Vanguard entrepreneurial leadership programme, funded by philanthropist Tony Falkenstein. And in early November, another travel award took him to Kobe for Japan Digestive Disease Week.
MEDIA & LATEST NEWS
Stories. In the News
MEDICINAL CANNABIS
Ruby - A Passionate Advocate
Ruby was a passionate advocate who used every opportunity to speak up for patients’ rights and their freedom to choose appropriate treatment pathways.
During her illness and eventual transitional phase, Ruby strongly advocated for the use of cannabis as an alternative to the many prescription medications prescribed to manage a wide range of symptoms, including severe abdominal pain and nausea.