31 July 2024

As part of his remarkable legacy, Ron Lovatt, diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer and now in palliative care, is urging Aussies to donate vital funds to PCFA as Dry July comes to a close.  

Despite his diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer, this is the third year Ron has participated in Dry July, raising tens of thousands of dollars for PCFA. In 2024 alone, he has raised almost $10,000.

Ron said with the current prognosis on his cancer, he decided to participate in Dry July again this year, and is exceedingly happy to see so many supporters of his campaign and personal journey.

“Two and a half years ago during an annual medical, my PSA was normal, but my urologist considered that my prostate gland was slightly firm, and we would bring my next blood test forward,” Ron said.

“That blood test six months later showed that my PSA had jumped to 14, raising red flags. My urologist referred me to a medical oncologist to assess the situation.

“My prostate cancer was classed as a Stage 4 Gleason 10. With the advanced stage of the cancer, a prostatectomy was not considered, and I was put straight onto hormone treatment.

“Over the next few months further tests were done including a PET scan – this showed that the cancer was very active, and I was put straight onto chemotherapy. Initially, this worked. 

“Pain then started to become an issue, increasing in severity and frequency. I ended up in hospital and needed respite care afterward to regain strength.

“After picking up an infection, I ended up back in hospital. The infection was never identified.

“I was released back into palliative care with the understanding that there were no other effective treatments for a cancer as advanced as mine and that it was only a matter of time.”

Ron said the finality and reality of his advanced cancer was a shock to the system, even though he and his wife knew it would be the ultimate outcome.

“My wife and I, now having accepted the outcome, have started to make necessary arrangements.”

Ron’s personal experience has spurred him on to do all he can to raise crucial funds for PCFA – leaving a legacy that furthers prostate cancer research and ensures nursing services are available for men and families who need them in future.

“Two years ago, a Facebook page appeared discussing Dry July, and obviously I found it close to the heart. I decided that I would join the campaign and see what I could do,” Ron said.

“In that first year I raised over five $5,500 for PCFA. Last year I decided to do it again and raised over $3000.

“All funds donated help PCFA to provide funds that further research in the areas of prostate cancer, but also provide nursing information and support seven days a week to individuals who directly are suffering from the scourge, or the families of those affected.”

CEO of PCFA, Anne Savage, said Ron’s bravery to share his story and participate in Dry July raising significant funds over many years for PCFA was remarkable.

“We want to recognise the incredible contribution Ron has made to the work we do at PCFA, helping us to support all Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families,” Ms Savage said.

“With Ron’s support and the thousands of dollars he has raised, we are able to offer nursing services, further invest in prostate cancer research and be there for men when they need us most.

“We are touched by Ron’s willingness to share his story, raise awareness and leave a significant legacy across Australia through his fundraising efforts.

“Thank you, Ron, for all you have done for PCFA – we are tremendously grateful and with your help, we can continue to assist all those affected by prostate cancer in a significant way.”

Aussies can visit https://www.dryjuly.com/users/ron-lovatt and continue to donate to Ron’s Dry July campaign over coming days, during early August.

Prostate cancer is a major threat to men’s health in Australia, with more than 25,000 men diagnosed every year.

Funds raised for PCFA through Dry July support PCFA’s mission of raising awareness of the disease, offering support to those affected and investing in further research into prostate cancer.

Knowing the symptoms and risk factors helps to detect prostate cancer earlier and reduces the number of men dying from the disease. For more information, men can call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.prostate.org.au.

ENDS   

Media contact:

Laura Gillett M. 0468 788 609