Member for Barker Tony Pasin held his eighth Big Aussie barbecue last week together with the Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group to cook up awareness and funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Amid the sea of blue on the main street came a lifesaving $1000 donation for the cause from Mount Gambier’s Key 2 Sale Real Estate.
Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group chairman and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia ambassador Malcolm Porter said the donation was so overwhelming he welled up with tears just thinking about it.
“That will save some people’s lives,” he said.
“I am just so grateful when people do what they can to support men’s health.
“This is a wonderful town to live in because of the generous support of the local community.”
Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group members were encouraging men with a family history of prostate cancer to undergo a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test from the age of 40 and those without to get tested at the age of 50.
Mr Porter said the PSA test was a simple blood test now, although it used to be a lot more invasive.
“Too many guys leave it too late and then they find the cancer has got out of the prostate and spread throughout their body,” he said.
“It is very important for men to look after their own health.
“Every person’s story (with prostate cancer) is different.
“Their journey is different, and they have different treatments.
“The support we get from Tony is amazing, he is a wonderful ambassador for so many wonderful causes.
“Most times if you attend these barbecues you will see Tony standing beside the barbecue with an apron on.”
As a Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia ambassador Mr Porter spreads his message about the importance of PSA testing throughout the region.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia also provides support for the Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group who meet at 2pm on the third Wednesday of every month at the Mount Gambier RSL.
For more information about the Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group contact Mr Porter on 0402 589 708.
