A Central Coast family has rallied the community to raise more than $20,000 for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), while honouring the life of much-loved husband and father, Mike Berton, who died from prostate cancer in 2021 at the age of 53.
The 4×4 Prostate Cancer Awareness Fundraiser was held on Saturday, September 20, during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month at the Watagans National Park.
It attracted supporters from across the region who came together for a day of four-wheel adventuring.
Mike’s wife, Jen Berton, said the family launched the event to shine a light on the risks of prostate cancer and ensure more men knew the importance of early detection.
“Mike was fit, healthy, and in the prime of his life,” she said.
“None of us ever imagined that prostate cancer would take him so quickly.”
In 2019, the diagnosis came as a shock.
“He had no symptoms,” Berton said.
“His cancer was detected late and had already advanced.
“Despite treatment, he passed away in 2021, just 22 months later.
“One minute, my kids had a fit, healthy and fun-loving dad, and the next he was gone.”
Berton said that watching someone you love to go through prostate cancer was devastating.
“We felt helpless at times, but after Mike’s passing, I knew we had to do something positive in his name,” she said.
“This fundraiser is our way of giving back, raising awareness, and making sure no other family has to go through the same pain without knowing the risks.”
Across the Central Coast alone, more than 3,400 men are living with prostate cancer, and more than 300 are newly diagnosed each year.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage said the family’s fundraising efforts were both inspirational and lifesaving.
“Jen and her family have transformed their grief into life-changing results for other families impacted by this disease,” Savage said.
“They are not only raising vital funds, but they’re also helping spark much-needed conversations about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.
“Funds raised from the event will help PCFA drive forward new research and provide life-changing support to men and families affected by the disease.”
Berton said the 4×4 Prostate Cancer Awareness Fundraiser was a way to honour Mike’s memory whilst raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
“If sharing Mike’s story means one man gets tested earlier, or one family is spared the pain we went through, then it’s all worth it,” she said.
You can still donate to the family’s fundraiser by searching ‘prostate cancer’ at fundraise.pcfa.org.au
For more information about prostate cancer and to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.prostate.org.au.
Be the first to comment on "$20,000 raised for Prostate Cancer Foundation"