31 August 2021
This Wednesday Adelaide clinical nurse and ANMF (SA Branch) member Ellyse Mangan will lace up and hit the pavement to run 72km in support of local men impacted by prostate cancer.
Men like her father, Steve, and father-in-law, Peter, who were diagnosed with prostate cancer within one week of each other.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Ms Mangan has joined The Long Run – an initiative of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) – which encourages people to run, walk or wheel 72km throughout September and raise funds for the men they love.
“When both my father and father-in-law were diagnosed, it was a huge blow to both our families,” she said.
“Even though one man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every 30 minutes – you never expect it to be someone you love. It was hard to watch them go through it, but it’s inspired me to give back.
“As a nurse, I want to raise important awareness about prostate cancer. Early detection saves lives, so knowing your family history and the signs and symptoms is really important. The consequences of leaving it too long can be catastrophic.”
Ms Mangan said when she heard about The Long Run, she was quick to get involved.
“This is such a great way to make a difference and do something for your own health too. I’m looking forward to getting healthier to ensure I also reduce my risk of getting some cancers,’’ she said.
“I would love for people in Adelaide to join me by taking part and showing the men in our lives that we’re with them for the long run.”
People can donate to Ellyse at
www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/ellysemangan.
New participants and teams can also register in one easy step via
thelongrun.org.au.
PCFA CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO urged men and their loved ones to come together for the long run.
“Many families in the local community are facing prostate cancer right now and will need special care and support,” he said.
“This year’s campaign, with the theme ‘Together for the long run’, aims to show our solidarity and raise vital funds so that men have access to life-saving support.
“Without community involvement in campaigns such as The Long Run, we simply will not be able to meet the growing demand for PCFA services and programs.
“We would love to see the community come together for The Long Run in 2021 and help love go the distance.”
More than 3,000 people are expected to join The Long Run campaign this year in the hope of raising $1.6 million for prostate cancer research and specialist nurses.
If you or someone you know needs the care of a PCFA Specialist Nurse, please call 1800 22 00 99.
Story source: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia