16 September 2024
Victorian local Steve Leek, living with lung and aggressive prostate cancer, will lace up for The Long Run this September in an effort to raise funds and awareness for the disease.
After Steve was diagnosed with lung cancer in late February, his medical team in turn discovered Steve had a second primary cancer - aggressive metastatic prostate cancer.
“My prognosis? Well, how long is a piece of string? I think statistically I have around 3 years with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), and with apalutamide, another type of hormone therapy – possible an additional 2 years,” Steve said.
“The hormone therapy has been doing its intended job, with my PSA levels down to 0.05 from 19.7 back in March, and we will see what the addition of apalutamide will do in time.
“As I have no ill effects or any major unexpected side effects, it’s a constant battle to remain in a positive mental state.
“I am participating in The Long Run this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). My goal is to walk 90km and raise $20,000.
“I am participating because I want to raise awareness. My main focus in life apart from family and friends is to try to educate as many people as I can about prostate cancer.
“I ignored even the slightest of symptoms until it was basically too late. But I’ve always managed to find a positive in all things in my life, and I hope my story can save someone’s life.”
Prostate cancer is Australia’s most common cancer, with 26,000 men newly diagnosed with the disease each year – around 72 men every day.
Australians can donate to Stephen’s fundraising efforts during September via https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/Steveleek/the-long-run-2024.
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, said The Long Run was helping to make prostate cancer history, with every dollar raised supporting all men affected by prostate cancer, and their families.
“We are tremendously grateful for those participating in The Long Run, like Steve, who are stepping out to raise vital awareness and funds,” Ms Savage said.
“We are proud of Steve’s commitment to raise funds for PCFA while living with lung and aggressive prostate cancer, and sharing his story to help other men detect cancer early.
“Thank you, Steve, for helping love go the distance.
“This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we are calling on all Australians to help us make prostate cancer history – by participating in, or donating to, The Long Run.
“Our ultimate goal through this campaign is to help make prostate cancer history.”
Thousands are expected to take part in PCFA’s largest fundraiser this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, The Long Run. Visit www.thelongrun.org.au today.
For more information and to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.prostate.org.au.
ENDS
Media contacts for further information or interviews:
PCFA – 1800 22 00 99
Katie Clift – katie@maybe.agency |M +351 913 976 202
