03 April 2025

A twenty-strong member running team will be hitting the pavements of Perth for 26,368 reasons during HBF’s Run for a Reason on Sunday, 25 May.

This year alone, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia says 26,368 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men.

Anthony Giglia, 27, created Team G Force, which consists of his father Tony, and other family members and friends who have already raised over $2,000 for PCFA, the country’s leading community-based organisation for prostate cancer research, awareness, and support.

Anthony said his dad’s diagnosis was a big shock and quite unexpected.

“He’s pretty healthy. He loves riding his bike, going for walks, and also going to the gym, so it was pretty shocking to hear that he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer,” he said. 

Tony, 58, had done all the right things, including undergoing regular PSA tests.

“He had another routine blood test last year, and his PSA levels returned elevated compared to the previous year. It was very surprising how quickly it turned into being an aggressive form of prostate cancer,” he said.

Tony is currently undergoing a number of medical treatments concurrently including Hormone Therapy and as of the past few weeks he has started Chemotherapy too.

“His most recent blood test showed his PSA levels are much lower, which is a great sign.”

Tony has also been attending multiple support group sessions each week. “Being able to connect with a diverse group of guys, all facing similar challenges, has been a great support for dad. He really looks forward to catching up with the group each week for their exercise classes.” Anthony said.

Anthony, along with his brother, Albert, stated they have now become much more aware of prostate cancer and decided they’ll be getting PSA tested as early as possible.

“I took part in HBF’s Run for a Reason last year, and I did it to raise money and awareness for mental health,” Anthony said.

Now, he’ll be hitting the pavement for a cause closer to home.

Anthony added, "It’s difficult when something like this affects us so personally and hits close to home, but we’re determined to raise as much awareness and funds as we can to help put an end to it."

Anthony said he now has an incredible twenty people (and counting) on ‘Team G Force’ who will either walk or run in the 12km walk or the half-marathon in May.

Anthony said that the one thing that has helped them a lot is the support of their family and friends.

“Being there for each other has helped, and we want dad to know that we are all in this together. The journey won’t be an easy one, but we are all walking it together.” Anthony added.

“We would love to continue to raise money and awareness for PCFA. If you would like to join our team on the day, please feel free to sign up to the HBF run for a reason and join team “G Force” on the signup page. However, should you just wish to donate, please follow the link below.”

https://runforareason25.grassrootz.com/pcfa/g-force

“We would like to thank everyone, from the doctors and nurses to our family and friends, for their support and love as we embark on this journey. We don’t know the destination, but we do know that we will all be there to support each other.”

For more information on prostate cancer or to find a local support group, visit www.prostate.org.au or call 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a PCFA Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.