Going blue for prostate cancer awareness

Ports North hosted its first ever Big Aussie Barbie on Wednesday 18 September to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer. Around 60 staff, partners and community members showed up dressed in blue to show their support.

The event coincides with International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and has raised more than $4000, including a $2,000 matched donation pledge by Ports North. Further fundraising efforts will continue through to the end of September.

Ports North Services Manager, Rick Goffin, said it had been important to share information and donate to research that would combat prostate cancer.

“We make it our business to help support the causes that are most important to our people and our stakeholders,” he said.

 “One in five men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. So, this is a disease that will almost definitely affect all of us either directly or through close family and friends.

 “Having been diagnosed myself two and a half years ago, I understand the difference made by the support of colleagues, family and the cancer support community.

 “This event is a reminder there are so many people out there with stories of survival, determination and unfortunately sadness.

“I hope we have been able to make those impacted feel understood and raise money for research and support to assist the work of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.”

Attendees to the Big Aussie Barbie included members of the local prostate cancer medical community and support groups. They were able to provide insight to the realities of diagnosis, treatment and support options.

Each year, more than 25,000 men in Australia are diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is anticipated up to 3,000 men in the Cairns region are currently living with the disease.

Integrated Medical Services Nurse Practitioner, Marco Hake, said that he had seen many men make quick and full recoveries from an early prostate cancer diagnosis.

 “I’m passionate about men’s health and particularly prostate cancer, which affects so many people,” he said.

 “There is some good news in this whole debate. I see a lot of men who are diagnosed early enough get treatment and walk out a few months later completely prostate cancer free."

Ports North will continue to raise funds via an official Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia fundraising page. Visit bigaussiebarbie.com.au/sponsor and search Ports North to show your support.