John Daven of Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group is one of three men to receive a prestigious national award for community service.
The Max Gardner Award for Distinguished Service was presented by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) on the eve of Men’s Health Week and is named in honour of the late Max Gardner, who helped establish a support group network which now comprises more than 120 local groups around the country.
Daven is the President of the Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group.
He was diagnosed in 2004 with aggressive prostate cancer and in 2012 decided to attend his local support group to see what they had to offer.
Two meetings later, he was appointed group leader and hasn’t looked back.
Daven is passionate about improving men’s wellbeing and quality of life.
He’s an active member of the community, attending regular events on behalf of PCFA and encouraging men to get tested.
In 2020 he was presented with the Caring for the Coast Award and in 2022 he received a Rotary Community Service Award.
Daven was recognised alongside Alan Barlee of Geelong Prostate Cancer Support Group and Alan White of Bayside-Kingston Prostate Cancer Support Group in Victoria.
Between them the men have dedicated a combined estimated total of nearly 20,000 hours to supporting men and families affected by the disease over many decades.
PCFA Chairman Professor Steve Callister announced the recipients on Wednesday, June 7.
“The award recognises the outstanding contribution these gentlemen have made to our mission and their remarkable dedication to supporting other men and families impacted by prostate cancer,” Callister said.
“Over many years they have each gone above and beyond to champion our work, making a profound contribution to each of the three pillars of our service, these being research, awareness, and support.
“I speak for all those in our community when I convey my abiding gratitude to these gentlemen for the exceptional difference they have made to so many Australians impacted by prostate cancer, improving survivorship outcomes for all.”
PCFA CEO Anne Savage said the organisation’s work was only made possible by the support of outstanding individuals who gave their own time to ensure that men and their partners did not have to walk alone when prostate cancer struck.
“They play a vital role in providing men and their loved ones with information, comfort, and support, calling on their own personal experiences to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said.
To find out more, go to www.pcfa.org.au
For support, phone PCFA on 1800 22 00 99.
Source:
PCFA