Where does the money raised go ?
A memorandum of understanding exists between the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Victoria and the Shepparton’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch Committee under which Goulburn Valley Health employs a dedicated specialist prostate cancer nurse.
We are proud to say that we have recently extended our agreement to run through until the end of 2020
Matt Sharp, the CEO of Goulburn Valley Health says that;
“GVH is delighted to be associated with Shepparton’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch and remains committed to the vision that Chris McPherson created. We are thrilled with the impact that Sonia/the role continues to have on men and their families in the local community”.
A message from Prostate Cancer Nurse Sonia Strachan:
A prostate cancer diagnosis can cause men and their families much anxiety and confusion. At the same time, they have to navigate the healthcare system, and make decisions about treatment options and this can be at times overwhelming. It is my role to offer support and guidance at these times.
20,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. These are not just facts and figures, they are real men I see every day. They are local blokes, they could be your family, they could be you. It is my role as the PSCN to support men and their families through their treatment by providing resources, care coordination, support and a LOCAL CONTACT.
Since starting in the role of the inaugural PSCN on the 1st Sept up until the 31st Dec 2015, l have seen hundreds of patients. These numbers highlight the amount of men living in our local community with prostate cancer – the need is great & they are very grateful to have a local support
Patient Noel Dealy:
“When I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer, my mind was in turmoil. I sought the advice of Sonia Strachan, the prostate cancer nurse. She was able to reassure me and arrange for help in easing my stress. The prostate cancer nurse is a valuable resource for people who need help and reassurance in this situation."
Patient Neville Yuille:
In 2010 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, having my prostate surgically removed the same year but unfortunately the cancer had spread to my body.
In 2012 I was told I had metastatic prostate cancer, tumours showing on my pelvis. During this period I underwent various treatments in Melbourne, feeling very isolated, scared and alone with the Oncologists and Urologists being 200k away.
Over the last two years I have been introduced to Sonia Strachan, the community-funded Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse appointed by G V Health to help guide prostate cancer sufferers through this dastardly frightening period of their lives.
Sonia has made a huge difference to newly diagnosed and existing survivors, offering expert advice and guidance in the management of the disease and the side effects of treatments given to try and halt this cancer.
We hope that she will continue in this extremely important role for many years to come.
Broadening our impact
At the 2016 event, the Committee announced, through the generosity of the Georgopoulos family and their network of friends and business associates, that a Bowel Cancer Specialist Nurse position will be also be co-funded in a tri-party arrangement that includes GV Health, Bowel Cancer Australia and Shepparton’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch.
