For the past 11 years, GV Health has provided a support nurse to assist men who are undergoing prostate cancer treatment. For each of those years, funding support has been provided by the Biggest Bloke Lunch each year. Due to the restrictions imposed under the National Emergency however, the lunch had to be cancelled.
Shane O’Sullivan, the chair of the Biggest Bloke Lunch got in touch with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCFA) and after a discussion, they agreed to provide all of the funding required for this year’s support, $140,000.
Professor Jeff Dunn, CEO of PCFA said, “The organisation is committed to continuing the role and support for local men and their families affected by the disease.
“We are proud to give back to the Goulburn Valley community to ensure that no man endures a diagnosis of prostate cancer without expert nursing and care.”
The funding will cover the cost of 1.2 full-time equivalent specialist nursing positions for the next 12 months. Sonia Strachan has been that nurse for the last five years. Since the start of this year, Nicole Lewis has been the extra nurse when Sonia is away giving full time coverage for the position.
“As a PCFA nurse, I am there to provide information and comfort for men and families from the point of diagnosis, through treatment and many years beyond into survivorship.” said Sonia.
“It’s a great privilege to make a difference in the lives of local men and families.
“A diagnosis of prostate cancer is a major life stress, and often has long-term impacts on men’s physical and emotional well-being and quality of life.”
Some 700 men attending GV Health have been treated for prostate cancer with approximately 100 new clients coming in each year.
