Mary Jones was one of three recipients of the Max Gardner Award for 2018 for recognition of her contribution as a member of the Network.
1. How does it feel to be recognised by your peers and receive the Max Gardner Award?
I was very surprised and a bit overwhelmed, I walked around in a daze for a while. I suppose I have a lot of ideas and I do a lot, but I never considered it to be out of the ordinary, many people do a lot for groups. I like to keep a low profile and prefer to be a quiet achiever in the background.
2. What has been your experience with prostate cancer?
Ron [Mary's partner] was diagnosed in 2004. He had previous blood tests with a reading quite low but then one had shot up quite a bit. Ron chose to have a radical prostatectomy as his cancer was very aggressive. He has had prostate cancer now for 15 years and still has it.
Hearing 'cancer' is a shock and we've dealt with this together. I've found I can talk about prostate cancer with others. and I know men don’t like to talk about cancer, not as women will talk about breast cancer. I want to get people thinking about it and tell them a simple blood test is all they need. Maybe people are bothered by that, but Ron and I didn't know anything about prostate cancer before his diagnosis as it never came up in any conversation.
It's one of those things we live through, taking each day as it comes. I know I have learned a lot and there is no point in denying it exists or giving up.
3. How did you come to be involved as a PCFA Network Member?
I can't remember the year, but we found that the group [Northern Beaches Prostate Cancer Support Group] met at the local hospital. The late Dr John Conroy OAM had started the group in 2002 and was doing it mainly all on his own. We found the group so interesting and when John eventually decided he would step down we wanted to help carry on his work.
I have always been a volunteer, if I see a need I have always wanted to help out. I have the philosophy that if you join something you should become involved because you get out what you put in. I like to organise different things for the group to do, like excursions to see a Da Vinci surgical robot or lighting up the Ba’hai Temple in blue during September. I always learn lots of new things along the way.
4. What has been a highlight from your years of service to the community?
We organise a big community day about every 2 years where we hire the local rugby grounds, host a Big Aussie BBQ and have all sorts of entertainment including: Krav Maga activities, school bands, community choirs, dancing groups (who all like the chance to perform), market stalls and games for kids, Bunnings have participated with face painting and the classic car club brought along their vintage cars. It's an opportunity of raising funds for research whilst getting everyone from the community together so prostate cancer can be talked about. When people are asked "what did you do on the weekend", they can answer "I went to this event for prostate cancer". It’s a great way to spread the word and we have also managed to raise $15, 000 so far.
5. What message would you share on the value of helping others impacted by prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer can have repercussions for the whole family, but men can feel so isolated. There are a lot of women in our group and they are very involved with their partner's health issues. To be a good listener is so important and we encourage people to ask questions and be open to new ideas. Over the years here has been so many advances in the treatment of prostate cancer that I think the future looks much brighter.
Additional comments:
We are always trying to find new ways to bring information to our group and keep them up to date. Research is the key these days and the results are amazing.
Always look for the good in life and be positive. We just want our guys to know we are always there for them and do our best.
Click here for more information about the Max Gardner Award.
