06 September 2024
After being diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer just three months ago, Victorian local Terry Howard will help love go the distance by participating in Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s (PCFA’s) The Long Run.
This September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, thousands of Australians will run, walk or ride 72km through The Long Run to raise vital funds for men affected by the disease.
Terry said if he can help other men detect prostate cancer early and raise funds for better treatments for the disease, he has done his part for The Long Run.
“My recent experience brought home to me that the awareness and diagnosis of prostate cancer throughout Australia still has a long way to go,” Terry said.
“I had a robotic radical prostatectomy in June this year – the procedure appeared to go well with my surgeon reporting no sign of cancer in surrounding lymph nodes.
“I have now returned to my active lifestyle, enjoying friends and family, playing golf and training racehorses.
“Hopefully, I am one of the lucky ones, although I will be under close surveillance probably for the rest of my life.
“I am 73 years old with steel pins holding my right ankle together, so my prospects of running or even walking The Long Run’s 72km target are non-existent.
“But I train and work harness racehorses, so I have decided that my horses can help me cover the target distance. It is just my fun way of participating when I would otherwise have been unable to.
“I would urge others with physical constraints like mine to find fun ways cover the distance. Perhaps using an electric bicycle, exercise bike or treadmill or covering some of the distance in the pool would be a great way of joining in.
“I am sure your friends and supporters won’t care how you cover the distance so long as you are having a crack.”
Terry said funds raised through The Long Run helped PCFA to support more men, invest in research and develop better treatments for prostate cancer.
“Tremendous progress is achieved by PCFA’s The Long Run and other forms of fundraising – there is still a long way to go to raise awareness and eventually eliminate this deadly disease,” Terry said.
“None of that can be achieved without further advances in prostate cancer awareness and treatment – funds raised will save much pain and suffering, and ultimately save thousands of lives.”
Australians can donate directly to Terry’s efforts via https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/terryhoward.
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, called on Australians to advocate, donate, and discuss the disease this September.
“This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we are calling on all Australians to inspire community action in the fight against prostate cancer,” Ms Savage said.
“We are tremendously grateful for those participating in The Long Run, like Terry, who are stepping out to raise vital awareness and funds.
“Every dollar raised through The Long Run helps PCFA support all men affected by prostate cancer, and their families.
“Our ultimate goal through this campaign is to help make prostate cancer history.”
The Long Run is Australia’s largest online event in support of more than 26,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. 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
