Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your efforts to raise funds for the mission of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia during Dry July.

With thanks to you, we’ve raised a remarkable $291,755 for PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service.

You may have seen the news recently that around 16% of all cancers diagnosed in Australia are prostate cancer, including 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed among men. It’s a huge number, and our nurses are 100% committed to being there for the men in your community when a diagnosis strikes.

Our nurses play a really important role in supporting men and their loved ones in the fight against prostate cancer – helping men navigate their treatment and its myriad of side effects, making sure that no man walks alone.

On behalf of all the men in your community who will benefit from your sacrifice, thank you once again.

Russell Briggs

General Manager – Nursing Program

Phil has one piece of advice for men with prostate cancer: meet with a PCFA prostate cancer nurse early on.

“I was 61 and not long retired when I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2022.”

His initial MRI scan suggested that there was no sign of cancer, so Phil underwent regular PSA testing to monitor for any changes.

Unfortunately that soon changed, and once prostate cancer was confirmed, he was scheduled to undergo a robotic prostatectomy in 2023.

“Once surgery was scheduled the urologist arranged for my wife and I to meet the prostate cancer specialist nurse.

“I can’t emphasise enough how incredibly helpful this was in our understanding of what challenges lay ahead.”

Prostate cancer nurses offer a quality of care that no other health professionals can provide, supporting men like Phil in the hours, days, weeks, and years after a diagnosis.

And through Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s Telenursing Service, more men and their loved ones can access support and expert advice.

“I want to do everything I can to help PCFA put more specialist nurses on the ground and expand their telenursing service.

“I know the difference it made for me, helping me get surgery-ready and prioritise my health during recovery.

“So why not go Dry this July – you’ll be helping save lives!”

Your fundraising for Dry July 2023 has supported Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia's hospital-based Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses and life-changing Prostate Cancer Specialist Telenursing Service.

Thank you for your support and contribution to making a positive difference in the lives of people living with prostate cancer.

In July 2020, at the age of 42, Nine Newsreader Will McDonald was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer after developing a pain in his hip.

When diagnosed, specialists found that the cancer had already spread outside the prostate to his left hip.

Being diagnosed with aggressive cancer at such a young age came as a complete shock.

“My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019 at the age of 75. They found his relatively early and he’s back to full health now,” says Will.

“After dad was diagnosed, I knew that I had an increased risk of prostate cancer – but to be diagnosed so soon was a lot to take in.

“But just days after my prostate cancer diagnosis, I made the decision to do everything I possibly can to stay positive, strong and get completely healthy again.”

Since his diagnosis Will has courageously handled chemotherapy, radiation therapy and ongoing hormone therapy - working throughout his treatment.

Despite all he has endured to date, the experience has made him more determined to make a difference by supporting PCFA in campaigns such as Dry July.

Will and his partner Samantha also recently welcomed their first child Alfie Buxton McDonald to the family, after five arduous rounds of IVF.

“I’m proud to be an ambassador for PCFA and urge others to go Dry this July for men and families fighting prostate cancer,” he said.

“With 1 in 5 men now diagnosed in their lifetime, I know why I Dry July - awareness and support has never been more important.” 

“The best part of my job is the patients, they are so resilient, so amazing. Having the opportunity to support these men and their families is such an honour.

I would like to thank all of those people who choose to go Dry in July."