Cara Laister is leading the charge to help raise awareness of prostate cancer by joining ‘The Long Run’ and conquering 150km this September.
The Yarra Junction local said she was inspired to take action after her Uncle, known by his loved ones as “Bandaid”, passed away from prostate cancer last year.
“On October 8 we lost my Uncle to prostate cancer. Watching him fight the last few months of his life was hard, but he was so brave and strong,” Mrs Laister said.
“I wanted to raise awareness – I realised that it is something people need to talk about more,” she said.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) campaign calls on Australians to run, walk or ride throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and funds for research and support.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the region, with one Australian man diagnosed every 22 minutes.
Ms Laister is doing The Long Run to help raise awareness of the disease as a lot of men don’t get tested and don’t want to talk about it.
“This is all about encouraging the men in our lives to get tested, educate themselves about prostate cancer and let them know that there is no shame in seeing a doctor,” she said.
“The Long Run is such a great cause so I’d love to see more people in the region get involved and get out walking or running throughout September to help make a difference.”
People can support Mrs Laister via www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/caralaister or register at www.thelongrun.org.au.
Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Anne Savage, commended Mrs Laister for making a difference.
“Community action is key to cancer control, helping us to raise awareness of Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer and encourage early detection,” Ms Savage said.
“Importantly, The Long Run helps us support men and their families, providing vital funding for clinical trials and PCFA prostate cancer nurses,” she said.
“Cara is an inspiration – demonstrating that together we can make a difference, helping love go the distance against prostate cancer.”
Several thousand eager runners, walkers and cyclists are expected to join The Long Run this September, with a total goal of $1 million for research, support services and awareness.
Ms Laister has got a treadmill in her home and is getting started on racking up the kilometres for a cause.
“I can smash it out at home, no matter what the weather,” she said.
People can to to www.thelongrun.org.au to register.
