The Medicine Hat Prostate Cancer Support Group held a 10th anniversary lunch and celebration at St. Patrick's Church on Saturday.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
In the St. Patrick’s Church hall on Saturday, the Medicine Hat Prostate Cancer Support group celebrated 10 years of their most recent iteration.
While the group itself is older, said Philip Buisseret, chairman of the Medicine Hat Prostate Cancer Support Group, it had shrank down to roughly four members and nearly none before it underwent a revitalization.
Now, they have more than 100 members receiving advice, support and community surrounding their shared difficulty, both those currently undergoing treatment and those who have managed to beat the condition and walk away cancer free.
“We started off with three men, and now we’ve got about 180,” said Buisseret. “We’ve done a great job, I think, in putting the word out for awareness and support.”
The event consisted of a buffet lunch for all attendees, as well as awarding one member with their 2025 Honouree Award, and a series of draws for various prizes, including a 50/50 raffle.
“We had over 20 prizes, and we raised over $1,000 as well. So it was perfect,” said Buisseret. The funds will go toward operational costs, to ensure the group can continue to offer the network to those receiving prostate cancer diagnoses for years to come.
Buisseret encourages those over the age of 50 who have a prostate to keep on top of their PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, testing, as early detection can save lives, and if they should receive a diagnosis, to reach out.
“You’re not alone,” said Buisseret. “Just give us a call at 403-581-3116. And we’ll get you hooked up with all kinds of resources and help.”
