Member for Barker Tony Pasin helped to sizzle up a storm last week as he hosted his seventh annual Big Aussie Barbie, cooking up funds for prostate cancer research and raising awareness.
The event was run by Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group volunteers raising around $800 which Mr Pasin often raises to $1000 “out of his own pocket.”
Support group member Malcolm Porter was pleased with the support and funds raised at the event.
“Tony is extremely generous and you will often see him taking part and cooking the barbecue. He is a great guy and representative,” he said.
“Every cent raised goes to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s head office in Sydney to be used for research which saves lives.
“We are also speaking to men who go past about their health and encouraging them to get a potentially life-saving blood test.”
Mr Porter said the group took prostate awareness seriously, with members going the extra step to encourage men to get tested.
“Most men do not look after their own health very well, so we speak to the wives and partners that come along to convince them to encourage their loved ones to get tested,” he said.
Mr Porter said men over the age of 50 should ensure they have a Prostate Anyogyn Test (PSA) enabling them to be informed if they require treatment.
If prostate cancer runs in the direct family, it is advised men get tested from 40 years of age.
Mr Porter said the recent installation of a transperineal biopsy machine allowed men to have a PSA test administered locally instead of travelling to Adelaide.
“This means men do not have to take time off work or add extra pressure to an already stressful time,” he said.
Mr Porter is one of the support group members sharing his story in hopes men look after their health.
“Being diagnosed with prostate cancer and being treated early means I am now in remission, enabling my wife to have a husband, my kids to have a father and my grandkids and soon to be great grandchild to have that man in their life in the future,” he said.
