The Blue Man is the newly born soul brother of the international breast cancer symbol, the Pink Lady.
During the month of November we plan to have small Blue Men displayed in the windows of Eltham shop fronts. After a fortnight spent turning Eltham blue, he will be launched in Eltham Town Square on 25th November. Members of the Eltham Prostate Cancer Information and Support Group (EPCISG) will be in attendance on the day from 9am until 3pm.
One in five Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and the EPCISG have provided support and information to men in the Eltham area for nearly 20 years. In that time over 200 men have benefited from the support they offer.
But statistics tell us that this is likely to be only 5% of the cohort the group reaches out to. The purpose of the Blue Man, then, is to become both a reminder for men to be tested and a sign that help is available.
Supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Cancer Council Victoria, the Group provides peer support from men who have experienced a diagnosis of prostate cancer, assisting both them and their families deal with impacts of the numerous types of treatments. In a supportive setting, attendees can ask all the questions they may forget to ask when with their medical professionals. There is no medical advice offered and all personal information is strictly confidential. Expert speakers also attend and provide valuable information.
Eltham is one of over 100 Australian peer support groups open to men and their families. The Eltham group meets on the third Monday of each month (except December) at 7pm at Eltham CFA, 909 Main Road Eltham.
The EPCISG thank Nillumbik Council and Eltham Chamber of Commerce for their support.
For more details:
- call the Convenor Peter Gebert on 0418 576 682
- email: [email protected]
- check the EPCSIG website epcisg.org