11 November 2024

Darwin Prostate Cancer Support Group Leader Monica Berryman, with the support of her workplace Austal, raised $40,000 for Australian men and their families living with prostate cancer in September.   

Her inspiration? Her dad Mel, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020. 

“It was the first time I had heard of prostate cancer. Soon after his diagnosis, he had a proctectomy,” Monica said. 

“After his surgery, I didn’t know what to do, but I know I wanted to raise funds and awareness of prostate cancer, so I came across The Long Run and joined the local Support Group,” she said. 

To make sure the group maintained its momentum and to continue her father’s legacy, she decided to step up and become leader of the group in 2023, replacing long term leader and Max Gardner recipient Don Lockley.  

She also got her workplace Austal on board to help her raise funds and awareness for PCFA. “I worked in mining for the last 15 years, and in a male dominated industry, I always wondered why we never talked about prostate cancer,” she added.  

“We started painting our mining trucks blue instead of pink, but more still needs to happen.”  

During September, Monica walked throughout the humidity-stricken streets of Darwin, and Perth, accumulating an impressive 115 kilometres for The Long Run.  

Monica was delighted to learn that her employer donated well-over $23,000 to her fundraising efforts too. 

“Without them, I wouldn’t have raised as much as I did. They’ve supported my run for the last three years,” she added.  

“As an organisation, we can’t do what we do without the help of our broader Support Group community,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Anne Savage.  

“Thank you, Monica, and thank you Austal for continuing to make a real difference in people’s lives.” 

Monica’s dad is now recovering well and now has a negligible PSA score.  

“Thankfully his surgery was very successful, and he is doing well. Dad didn’t know he had prostate cancer until his own diagnosis. His nephew and brother-in-law also have prostate cancer,” Monica added.  

“Dad rang around to advise other male family members to get tested and he found out that other family members already had it but weren’t comfortable talking about it.  

“We need to change that.”