Saving lives: Prostate Cancer Support Group's generous donation to help more men

A Moreton Bay family who took part in a fundraiser to raise money for prostate cancer research has received a generous donation from a local community group.

Casey and Dan (last name withheld) received a $2000 donation from the Moreton Bay Regional Prostate Cancer Support Group after Moreton Daily connected them following two separate stories that were written to highlight Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September.

The couple took part in The Long Run – an initiative that called on Aussies to run, walk or wheel 72km in September.

Casey said it was a fun and easy challenge to do.

“What I liked about The Long Run was you didn’t have to book in one day where you would go and run 72km – you had a whole month to do it and could do it at your own pace,” Casey said.

“All you needed to do was keep an eye on your steps and your activity, which all added up.”

Raising awareness for prostate cancer is important to the couple, as Dan lost his grandfather to prostate cancer.

All funds raised through The Long Run, including this donation, will be given to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for research, nursing, advocacy and awareness.

Supporting the community

Moreton Bay Regional Prostate Cancer Support Group Leader Peter Ham said the group was thrilled to not only meet Casey and Dan, but to also donate to their fundraiser.

“We donated $1000 to Casey and Dan, which was then doubled because of Giving Day, so it’s actually $2000,” Peter said.

“It’s great to be able to donate to someone locally.

“We plan to donate more money to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia down the track because they are doing all kinds of research which will hopefully help more men.”

The group will also donate to the Urology Department at the Redcliffe Hospital this month as part of Redcliffe Hospital Giving Day on October 14.

All donations given on this day will make double the difference, with every donation doubled to help fund several projects such as life changing research and wishlist grants.

Help is available

Prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the country’s leading cause of cancer, with 66 men diagnosed every day.

In Moreton Bay’s north region alone, around 225 men are expected to be diagnosed this year.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can get in touch with members from the Moreton Bay Regional Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Meetings are held at 6pm on the first floor of the Mango Hill Community Centre (The Y) on the second Thursday of the month.

Meetings are attended by men coping with a recent diagnosis, those who have had various forms of treatment, men living with prostate cancer and even men who have been cured.

The group has roughly 90 members who come and attend monthly meetings and social catch ups, such as lunches, picnics, excursions and more.

To find out more about the Moreton Bay Regional Prostate Cancer Support Group, phone 0435 119 628 or send an email to [email protected]

You can also visit their website: www.prostatesupportgroup.org