It’s the big charity event everybody’s talking about that helps raise awareness about a disease nobody wants to discuss.
Deer Park resident Sandra Gatt began raising funds for research into inflammatory bowel disease in 2012 after her daughter was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
On the back of three successful annual balls, Bottom’s Up has helped raise more than $20,000 and attracted more than 600 supporters.
Now the charity Bottom’s Up Fundraising has been incorporated, which means Ms Gatt can work with research institutes and track where every dollar is going.
She’s used her clout to win promises to have the AAMI Stadium lit up in purple for World IBD Day (May 19), and two days’ later she’ll host a special masquerade ball at the Melrose Melbourne conference and reception centre “in honour of all the sufferers”.
Ms Gatt says she’s motivated by her daughter’s struggles.
“The pain of watching your child suffer doesn’t weaken you, it only makes you stronger and more determined to make things better,” she said.
“You see, inflammatory bowel disease is known as the embarrassing disease that nobody likes to talk about.
“Children will often have to miss school because of their disease. They often miss out on school social events, not to mention school camps. This disease is very serious and starting to affect a lot more of the younger generation.
“I will admit that when my daughter was diagnosed I knew nothing about the disease.
“Awareness about it is something that’s desperately needed in Australia.”
People wanting to help can buy a ticket to this year’s masquerade ball or sponsor it by calling Ms Gatt on 0439 615 016.
