Prostate cancer patients at Goulburn Valley Health can continue to be cared for by specialist prostate cancer nurses Nicole Lewis and Sonia Strachan for a further five years.
The Biggest Ever Blokes’ Lunch recently announced its continued commitment to funding the GV Health nurses, with proceeds raised by the community at last year’s charity event.
“One in five men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, so that is two men to every table of 10 at the [charity] event,” Ms Strachan said.
“The funding is significant because the money donated at the lunch is staying locally, and it shows ongoing commitment that isn’t just a flash in the pan.
“It formalises the commitment that the Biggest Ever Blokes’ Lunch has to the community and to these specialist nursing roles, which support community members.”
Ms Strachan and Ms Lewis are the first community-funded nurses in the region, a testament to the generous donations made by local residents.
Biggest Ever Blokes’ Lunch chairperson and prostate cancer survivor Shane O’Sullivan said the ongoing funding for prostate cancer nurses was important for the region.
“The lunch is a great opportunity for the community to come together to have a bit of fun, but amid the fun is also a serious health message,” he said.
“I’ve got no doubt that lots of men walk out of there and go to their GPs, and most of them will be fine, but unfortunately, there will be some that will be diagnosed with prostate or bowel cancer.
“The community needs specialist prostate cancer nurses in the region to provide services for local men who are diagnosed.”
For prostate cancer patient Laurie Bodycoat, access to a specialist nurse in Shepparton relieves the burden of travelling to Melbourne to receive treatment.
He praised the care he had received at GV Health from Ms Strachan and Ms Lewis.
“It’s great because I don’t have to travel, and the nurses have been absolutely fantastic; I couldn’t speak any higher of them,” Mr Bodycoat said.
He urged men in the community to continue to get tested for prostate and bowel cancer.
“Don’t be a hero, just go and have a blood test — it’s as simple as that,” he said.
“Take a look, one in every five are diagnosed with prostate cancer.”
– To hear more of Laurie Bodycoat’s story, pick up a copy of The News on Friday, September 22.