The family of a much-loved Kanwal husband and father who died from prostate cancer has raised nearly $12,000 for the cause at a 4×4 charity event.
The event was held at Watagans National Park on March 18 to honour Mike Berton, who passed away from advanced prostate cancer in 2021 at the age of just 53.
His wife Jen and nephews, Logan Grattan (21) and Ronan Grattan Grattan (19), took it upon themselves to continue his legacy and raise vital funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia to help make a difference.
Logan thanked the community for its unwavering support, and for helping the family smash its $10,000 fundraising goal.
“We are so proud to honour Uncle Mike’s memory and to make a difference for an important cause,” he said.
“Thank you to every single person who showed their support – whether it was by joining us for a day of four-wheel-driving, or by donating to our fundraiser.
“If we can save just one other family from going through what we have been through, then our efforts are worth it.”
Across the Central Coast alone over 3,400 men are living with prostate cancer, with an additional 300 men newly diagnosed each year.
The community can still donate via https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraiser/jenberton/4×4-prostate-cancer-awareness-fundraiser-2023.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) CEO Anne Savage said Jen Berton and her extended family have helped to raise significant awareness and funds over the past two years, making a significant difference to Australian men and families impacted by prostate cancer.
“Her husband Mike was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 51 … (and) passed way at age 53, just 22 months after his diagnosis, leaving behind a loving wife and two teenage children who are now honouring his memory through their action to stop other families from enduring the same heartbreaking loss,” Savage said.
The family raised over $6,000 last year, doubling their fundraising results this year.
“Above and beyond fundraising, their efforts go a long way to getting the conversation started, supporting men’s health, and promoting early detection through PSA testing,” Savage said.
“Their fundraising will ensure that we can drive forward life-saving research, enable earlier detection of the disease, and improve survival outcomes for men like Mike, who all too often get caught off guard, without ever being made aware that they are at risk.”
For prostate cancer information and support, call PCFA on 1800 22 00 99.
Source:
Media release, Mar 24
PCFA