Lastly but not leastly this for this years ‘Men’s Week, I am delighted to share this article. It arrived out of the blue, so to speak and I was moved by the motivation that seems to have caused the writing. This man is Speaking from the heart.
‘Hi, my name is Greg and I just wanted to briefly share a couple of life experiences that have had an impact on my life.
One of the major impacts on my life was the passing of my Dad, succumbing to Prostate Cancer after a two-year battle in 1991. Medical progress has made the treatment and results vastly improved since.
The first thing that struck me was the immediate impact of diagnosis on all aspects of life, then the level of pain and suffering induced by the disease and the forlornness expressed by my Dad.
Over the two years he went through a significant amount of tests and treatments at different medical facilities, this was extremely difficult and the transporting caused much pain when the cancer had progressed.
Although all the medical staff were exemplary and compassionate the services available and the hope of survival were quite low.
When it became evident that Dad was not going to survive the ordeal my Mum decided she would nurse Dad at home for his remaining time (some months of decline).
Mum’s level of care and what she took on has always been an inspiration, her loving care and ability to perform many imposing tasks made me Dad’s last days very comfortable.
Having witnessed this and then seen the evolution of fundraising foundations such as Movember and Beyond Blue which have provided funds that have availed many services for Prostate patients and Research
I have happily been involved in growing a Mo and contributing in a small way to the cause for eradication of this disease.
My wish is people never lose sight of the need of others even though there are so many, we can each make a difference in some small way. Go the Mo!
The other experience I would like to share is my recent procedure in having Cataracts removed. At 57 my sight has been deteriorating, particularly for reading and I have been having regular testing over the last 7 years.
My optometrist at Specsavers advised I had Cataracts developing a couple of years ago and have monitored since. Then the time came to see an Ophthalmologist who advised it was time for removal. He was confident of a very good result.
The operation these days is so simple, quick and basically pain-free it was amazing More amazing was the result. It was like a curtain of film had been lifted from my eyes and the experience was surreal – colours are now so vivid and definition of
Everything is so sharp! I have close to 20-20 reading capability back and currently not using reading glasses! What a truly amazing experience and result!
So that prompted me to think about the work done by the Fred Hollows foundation also, having read his Biography many years ago I have been aware of his wonderful work for the people in underprivileged countries where many
people from early age suffer from Cataract blindness, mostly due to poor nutrition. And since Fred’s passing his wife and son have continued the crusade.
These people have little sight and the experience would be ten-fold mine and so life-changing. I encourage people once again to see if they can manage supporting this cause also! What an amazing feeling!’
This from Greg’s email signature.
It’s Movember and time to focus on men’s health. To show my commitment, I’m donating my face to the cause by growing a moustache for the entire month of November, and need your support. My Mo will spark conversations, and no doubt generate some laughs; all in the name of raising vital awareness and funds for prostate cancer and male mental health.
Why am I so passionate about men’s health?
*1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
*This year 20,000 new cases of the disease will be diagnosed
*1 in 8 men will experience depression in their lifetime
I’m asking you to support my Movember efforts by making a donation by either:
*Donating online at: http://mobro.co/Gouldy
*Writing a cheque payable to ‘Movember’, referencing my Registration ID: 34341 and mailing it to: Movember, PO Box 60, East Melbourne, VIC, 8002
If you’d like to find out more about the type of work you’d be helping to fund by supporting Movember, take a look at the Programs We Fund section on the Movember website:http://au.movember.com/about/
Thank you in advance for supporting my efforts to change the face of men’s health.
Greg, we are impressed, and thanks for sharing these significant events in your life.
During this Men’s Week, Greg, and indeed Karl and Daniel have all mentioned the services rendered by Volunteers. From a loving wife and mother caring for her dying husband, to the assistance Daniel does need, though there are remarkable things he can do alone, through to the much need fund-raising behind Zig Zag and other organisations, I have been touched and inspired by the compassion and insight these 3 men have shared with us. Perhaps is not how men are normally portrayed or seen or even presented. But beyond these stories the examples of hearts that care, and care sufficiently to be motivated to Do Something…are inspirational. That it is men telling the story is wonderful.
Men women old young whatever nation you are in, clearly reaching out can make a big difference.
