At age 42, journalist Will McDonald was blindsided by prostate cancer, after being diagnosed with advanced disease that had already spread to his hip.
That was in 2020, and just three years later, after prevailing through a brutal treatment regime, he is taking on his first Ironman challenge this weekend in Cairns to raise funds for the cause.
“Every day, 66 Aussie men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. On July 24, 2020, I was one of those men,” Mr McDonald says.
“I was 42 years old. The cancer had already spread out of my prostate and into my hip bone.
“Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and the harsh, ongoing hormone therapy has done very well at combatting my Advanced Aggressive Prostate Cancer and I refuse to let cancer defeat me physically or mentally.
“So, I decided to take on the toughest one day endurance event I could think of – Ironman.
“I want to help raise money to find the cure, and to prove to myself and to others life is still wonderful post-diagnosis.
“There is so much more we can, and must, do to save the lives of the men we love.”
He has dubbed the challenge Project: IronWill and is fundraising for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, hailed Mr McDonald a hero.
“Over the past three years Will has dedicated hundreds of hours of his time to supporting charities like ours who are fighting hard to beat cancer.
“He worked throughout his treatment and has taken on one challenge after another, including the birth of his first son with partner Samantha in January this year.
“We are indebted to him for the awareness and funds he has raised.
“Will is a remarkable Australian who has helped pave the way for ongoing advancements in our field, giving thousands of men greater confidence that together we can make a difference.”
In the year Will was diagnosed, 2020, only 87 men between the ages of 40 and 44 were diagnosed with prostate cancer, making his diagnosis rare.
All funds raised from his campaign will go to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, with sponsorship from one of the world’s leaders in prostate cancer, Telix Pharmaceuticals.
Telix Asia Pacific CEO, Dr David Cade, congratulated Will on his efforts.
“Will is a great example of the difference that one man can make in changing the way we face cancer as a community.
“His strength and endurance is an inspiration to many thousands of men and their loved ones, proving that we can prevail against a disease that is often difficult to treat.
“Telix is proud to support Will’s campaign and will continue our work on new diagnostics and treatments to help all men beat prostate cancer”
Go to https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/ProjectIronWill/challenge-champion to donate.
