A Central Queensland mother of two has set her sights on tackling 22kms this week to raise awareness and funds for research to beat prostate cancer after her dad’s diagnosis.
Krystal Feather’s dad, Tony Dew, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2022 and had robotic surgery to remove his prostate in April.
Mrs Feather said unfortunately, a check-up earlier this year discovered a small rise in PSA levels, leading to the need for her dad, 66, to have radiation therapy.
“My Dad is such an incredible man and role model in my life, to see him battling something that may one day have a cure inspires me to join the force to find that cure,” she said.
Tony and Kerry Dew with Krystal Feather (middle). Picture: Contributed
About 200 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the Rockhampton region.
Mrs Feather will complete 22km this Men’s Health Week as part of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s Perfect Match campaign to double funding for prostate cancer research in Australia.
The nationwide event, which began on Monday, invited individuals and teams to tackle 22km in one week, with one Australian man diagnosed every 22 minutes.
As a bonus, all donations to the campaign were being doubled by Australian brands Tyrepower and Hire A Hubby.
Tony Dew. Picture: Contributed
As of Wednesday, Mrs Feather had raised $699 of her $500 fundraising goal and hoped to raise more.
She said she was hitting the pavement in her neighbourhood to do a few kilometres each day and was already halfway, with 11kms down.
“My aim is to help more local men gain access to clinical trials and new medicines,” she said.
“On average 15 per cent of Australian men are diagnosed once the disease has spread outside the prostate, which means clinical trials are key to saving lives.”
Krystal Feather with her husband Brendan and two boys Parker, 9, and Arlo, 6. Picture: Contributed
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia chief executive officer, Anne Savage, urged the community to get behind Mrs Feather in her campaign.
“Whether you’re an individual or a business, every bit of support makes a difference,” she said.
“Our hope is to raise at least $500,000 for new research, but we can’t do it without community support.
“With one in five local men likely to be diagnosed in their lifetime, we’d love to see locals supporting her during Men’s Health Week and doubling their dollars for prostate cancer research.”
To donate, go to www.perfectmatch.org.au.