GP Pie Face Challenge
In July of 2016, the Gastroparesis Pie Face Challenge was launched. The challenge’s creator, Andrew Belliveau, was motivated to start the challenge to celebrate the National Health Observances calendar officially recognizing August as national Gastroparesis awareness month. Growing up in Lynn, MA Belliveau had a firsthand account as to what a viral trend could do thanks to the accomplishments of the Frates family for ALS in nearby Beverly, MA. By combining the enjoyment of Hasbro’s game Pie Face and the symbolism of a pie to the face in relation to GP, the challenge was born.
At first, it proved to be very difficult for Belliveau to get others involved. Determined, Belliveau knew his idea would catch on eventually. After reaching out to various celebrities and athletes alike, the challenge quickly caught fire once former MLB pitcher David Price generously accepted Belliveau’s nomination.
Flash forward to present day, the challenge is still actively furthering awareness for Gastroparesis. Belliveau’s campaign has even caught the attention of more professional athletes, celebrities, media personalities and petty of GP warriors. Additionally, the challenge has made waves across the country as it has been featured on national outlets like ESPN, People, Inside Edition, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report and Daily Mail. The best part is that over $14,000 has been raised for G-PACT, a non-profit for Gastroparesis. As pies continued to be smashed, one thing is fore sure: a cure will be found.
Media Stories:
ESPN: https://vimeo.com/220976337 (enter SCEU as password)
People: http://people.com/health/andrew-belliveau-gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge/
Inside Edition: http://www.insideedition.com/20-year-old-suffering-rare-stomach-condition-starts-pie-face-challenge-raise-awareness-39096
Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/video/2018/05/04/andrew-belliveau-gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge
Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5134179/Red-Sox-players-accept-Pie-Face-Challenge.html
Bleacher Report: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2737057-red-sox-players-take-a-pie-to-face-to-raise-awareness-for-gastroparesis?src=rss
ABC7NY: http://abc7ny.com/amp/health/what-is-the-pie-face-challenge/2618702/
Boston Globe Article: https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2017/02/13/red-sox-players-take-pie-face-fight-rare-stomach-condition/fSu6zwsUGQFclG7Zway0hN/story.html
NESN: https://vimeo.com/262615713
NESN.com: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/videos/1775608085824856/
NowThis: https://www.facebook.com/NowThisSports/videos/726953460808322/
FOX5NY: http://www.fox5ny.com/news/gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge
Horford Happy Hour Podcast: http://horford.libsyn.com (episode 16)
WBZ-CBS Boston story: http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/02/17/lynn-man-gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge-tom-brady/
7news Boston article: http://whdh.com/news/lynn-teen-starts-gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge-to-raise-money-and-awareness/
WLTX Texas: http://www.wltx.com/article/news/health/pie-face-challenge-brings-awareness-to-gastroparesis/101-509314607
Western Mass News story: http://www.westernmassnews.com/story/35145020/pie-in-the-face-challenge-raises-money-and-awareness-for-rare-stomach-disease
Western Mass News Follow Up Story:
http://www.westernmassnews.com/story/37535491/elms-student-makes-national-headlines-by-raising-awareness-for-rare-condition
Metro Boston: https://www.metro.us/news/local-news/boston/pie-face-challenge-started-mass-native-raises-awareness-gastroparesis
WTNH Channel 8 News: http://wtnh.com/2017/10/13/mass-student-starts-pie-face-challenge/
Lynn Item article: http://www.itemlive.com/tag/gastroparesis-pie-face-challenge/
Somerville Times Article: http://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/73192
