Meet Des

 The funds you raise will support research and clinical trials to give people like Des more time with his loved ones. Des is proud to play a small part in the future of medical treatment - as will you!

Des was diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer in late 2019, but thanks to the unique NINJA trial conducted by the PA Hospital’s Radiation Oncology Department, he is not only currently in the clear, but he also never missed a day of work through the whole process.

The NINJA (Novel Integration of new prostate radiation therapy schedules with adjuvant and androgen deprivation) trial involved the placement of small gold markers in Des’ prostate through day surgery. Markers which were then used to guide radiation therapy delivered in conjunction with hormone therapy to treat his cancer and stop its progress. 

“I wouldn’t be alive now without research. In the case of men, prostate cancer is the biggest killer for us. It’s such an easy fix to go and have your blood test and keep an eye on your PSA and with this technology it’s not a death sentence.”