Bendigo Health

Samara’s diagnosis of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML) came almost by accident.

The thorough medical practitioner sent her for a multitude of routine blood tests, along with an egg count, with the aim of analyzing her reproductive health. However, within a matter of hours of testing he instead directed Samara to go immediately to Bendigo Health’s Emergency Department due to extremely low blood counts, which she hoped could be a mistake.

“I was definitely scared, I had my mum and dad drive me to ED, but I felt fine and didn’t understand the urgency, I’d been physically tired but looking back there were definitely signs I missed.” Samara says.

 Within a few days she had been diagnosed with APML, a rare but serious type of acute myeloid leukemia, “If untreated it can be fatal within one month, but if caught quickly it responds really well to treatment. They caught it early, it was just lucky my doctor ordered those blood tests.“ said Samara.

Samara was rushed to Melbourne for four weeks of intensive treatment before she returned to Bendigo saying she was “technically in remission”.

The staff at Bendigo Health’s Cancer Centre oversaw her remaining four rounds of treatments, occurring daily for four weeks on and four weeks off. Samara describes them as amazing, “I couldn’t fault the nurses they’re so easy going and made me feel so calm and comfortable. I had some adverse side effects, which they really responded to, pausing my treatment to ensure they got it right.”

“It wasn’t easy being there daily, but the staff made it so much easier. They’re serious about their jobs but in a really light hearted way that made it so much easier for me to want to attend.” Said Samara.

Samara had her final treatment in May 2025, having her PICC line removed 8 months to the day since it was inserted.

Funds from Bendigo Health’s 2025 Dry July campaign will improve the experience and outcomes for cancer patients by enhancing the equipment and support available through our Cancer Centre, community oncology program and cancer exercise rehabilitation program.

Deanna Keogh has nursed aged care and palliative patients at Bendigo Health’s for 45 years. Dea accidently came into palliative care nursing when Bendigo Health established its first hospice at the aged care facility she was then working in, “I knew in my gut it would be a wonderful opportunity when I was asked to work in end of life care, unlike many other staff who ran for the hills! I had recently lost my mother and found it quite cathartic after her death”.

25 years later, Dea continues to provide the quality of care for which she and her colleagues are renowned.

“It is our patients that are always in our thoughts, their families too. We remember many special people who have stories to tell, examples of great bravery, generosity and humour. We are privileged to be in their lives and deaths and are proud of our unit and the care we deliver. Our staff are always trying to be better and offer soft place to fall”.

“We see patients from across our region – Boort, Charlton, Echuca you name it – and we work hard to make the unit a comfortable and non-clinical space. But after 24 years in the same building, the place needs an update. We want to provide a home-like environment where people can feel most comfortable and it’s the smallest things can make such a difference to patients and also make it easier for the families to grieve.”

Funds from Bendigo Health’s Dry July campaign will support upgrades to Bendigo Health’s Palliative Care unit, including internal painting and new flooring.

Dry July funds are supporting The Bendigo Health Gobbé Wellness Centre. The Centre provides journaling workshops, grief therapy sessions, psychology support for cancer patients, oncology massage, reflexology, cancer rehabilitation, yoga, meditation, pet therapy and most importantly a Cancer Wellness Coordinator to connect our patients to the services that best meet their physical and emotional needs

Bendigo Health Fundraising & Foundation is incredibly thankful to all of the participants who have signed up and chosen to go DRY this July for Bendigo Health. This includes local business people, community members and a number of workplace teams including the team from Awaken Coffee and Reign Legal.

For the Reign Legal team, joining the challenge to go alcohol-free this July is not a decision taken lightly.

Melissa Buchanan, who is Principal Director at Reign Legal said “Initially, the staff who put their hands up were a little wary; we’re a very social group and sharing a drink with people we enjoy is important, however we don’t shy away from a challenge either.” said Ms Buchanan.

“Supporting community causes is also an integral part of our professional culture and core values – it’s a small sacrifice for something so important” Ms Buchanan added.

Reign Legal has set an ambitious target to raise funds for local cancer supports services as part of the challenge. The team wants to ensure their fundraising money stays local, with Bendigo Health to benefit from their participation.

Bendigo Health is raising funds to purchase a new scalp cooling machine, that will be used by patients within its Cancer Centre help prevent hair loss caused by certain chemotherapy drugs.

Bendigo Health’s Director of Fundraising & Foundation, Rachel Mason, said that Dry July has always been an important fundraiser for cancer services both locally and further afield, “We encourage our regional community to consider giving up alcohol for the month of July, but also to ensure funds stay within our region by selecting Bendigo Health as the beneficiary.” Mrs Mason said.

“There is certainly still time to sign up and participate and I can say from experience that the health benefits, such as the increase to energy levels are an amazing personal benefit. There is also a golden ticket which gives a night off the challenge available to purchase for those with a special occasion scheduled.”

“We rely on groups like the Reign Legal team to get involved and I thank Melissa, her team and the many other locals who have already signed up for their support.” Mrs Mason added.

Dry July is a fundraising campaign aimed at challenging social drinkers to change their habits for a month and make some healthy lifestyle changes. Find out more, register or donate at www.dryjuly.com/bendigo