14 June 2021

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade – that’s the motto that Julie Cowley is choosing to live her life by.

Julie’s husband, Mark, was diagnosed with prostate cancer at just 54 years old. Six years later, the cancer returned and sadly, has now spread throughout his body.

To show her support to Mark, and all men impacted by prostate cancer, the Mornington local has joined the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s (PCFA) Sit-Up 45 Challenge.

The challenge calls on Aussies to do 45 sit-ups a day during Men’s Health Week (June 14-20) to raise vital funds for PCFA in support of the 45 men diagnosed with the disease each day.

“We have recently been thrown lemons in this prostate cancer challenge. My husband has really struggled and as a support partner, I didn’t know how to help in the bigger picture,” Julie said.

“But then I saw the Sit-Up 45 Challenge. As an exercise lover, I loved the idea and set myself a fundraising goal. Within an hour I was in tears at the amount of support we received from friends and family.”

Julie is currently the country’s leading Sit-Up 45 fundraiser for PCFA, having raised over $5,000.

“At 60 years of age and just becoming a Grandfather, Mark has a lot more living to do. This has been a very challenging journey so far - there are great doctors and some great treatments but lots of missing links,” she said.
“This cancer desperately needs more up to date research and so much more support for patients. It is that simple. And this seems the only way forward.

“Sometimes the feeling of hopelessness is so overwhelming, but the Sit-Up 45 Challenge is something we can all do. You can do something positive by taking part, or by donating.”

Support Julie’s fundraising efforts at www.situp45.org.au/fundraisers/juliecowley.

Or to register for PCFA’s Sit-Up 45 Challenge, visit www.situp45.org.au.

PCFA CEO Professor Jeff Dunn commended Julie on taking part and showing what’s possible.

“By doing 45 sit-ups a day during Men’s Health Week, you can help raise awareness and fund vital research to prevent more deaths from prostate cancer,” Prof Dunn said.

“We’re taking action against the disease and we need you to join us. Do this for the men you love – fathers, grandfathers, partners and sons who are at risk of this silent killer.

“This not only is a great opportunity to raise awareness and funds, but you’ll improve your overall health and happiness too. It’s never been easier to get involved – join Julie in making a difference and sit-up for prostate cancer.”

With one Australian man diagnosed every 30 minutes, there are estimated to be 230,000 Australian men alive today who have been impacted by prostate cancer.

For more information about PCFA, visit www.pcfa.org.au or call 1800 22 00 99.

ENDS

PCFA media contact: Laura McKoy | M. 0435 094 788 | laura.mckoy@pcfa.org.au