On August 23, 2016, G-PACT’s 15th birthday, we introduced Hope, a Giant Panda, to our family. She is helping us educate others as we march toward a cure for Digestive Tract Paralysis.
Some facts about Pandas and why Hope the Panda is our mascot
- Digestive Challenges Pandas eat mostly bamboo, but their bodies don’t absorb much of the nutrition.
- Selective Eaters Not all bamboo is equal. Pandas prefer the tender shoots over the tougher stalks, instinctively choosing what works best for them.
- Slow and Steady Digestion Bamboo is super fibrous and not easy to digest, so pandas move through life at a slower pace. Their calm rhythm is part of how they conserve energy.
- Energy Conservation Because their diet doesn’t fuel them strongly, pandas rest often. Napping and low activity are essential to their survival.
- Endangered but Resilient Pandas were once on the brink of extinction. Thanks to awareness and global conservation, their population is slowly recovering.
- Saved by Community Conservation programs, global cooperation, and awareness campaigns have given pandas a fighting chance.
“You’re not alone.
– Hope the Panda
I’m here to help.”
We are striving towards a brighter future of treatment, knowledge and a cure.
Hope is what carries us through when things get tough, and Hope will continue to move us forward.
Pandas teach us: even with a tricky digestive system, survival is possible with support, awareness, and care. That’s why our founder, Carissa, chose Hope as G-PACT’s mascot.
Introducing…
Our Hidden Heroes
Max and Sophia
Max and Sophia are two characters that represent what being a hidden hero is all about. They represent Gastroparesis patients who often time appear just like everyone else but are given this condition. We want these patients to know that they still have the opportunity to live the life they want to live by working, traveling, connecting with family and friends, etc.
We chose two basic characters, along with Hope the Panda, to be the face of Gastroparesis heroes: just because you can’t see behind the scenes doesn’t mean patients and families aren’t struggling with this condition. We want to focus on embracing Gastroparesis instead of running from it.