$4 million distributed in the Dry July Foundation 2018 Grant Program

We’re thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2018 Dry July Foundation Grant Program. 

The money for the Grant Program was raised by Dry July 2018 participants, who elected to fundraise for the Dry July Foundation as part of their alcohol-free month.

In October, the Dry July Foundation invited cancer support organisations to apply for a grant. Each grant application was capped at $50,000, however organisations could apply for more than one grant.

We received an incredible 171 grant applications from 65 organisations across Australia, totalling over $6.4m. With $4.1m available from this year’s Dry July, we were able to award funding to 138 projects.

Since 2008, the Dry July Foundation has funded more than 1,200 projects for 80 cancer support organisations across Australia.

Congratulations to this year’s Grant Program recipients:

National 

Beyond Five

• Eating Well with Head and Neck Cancer Animations, to educate people through listening and watching, not through reading or writing. This is particularly relevant for head and neck cancer with incidence rates 58% higher in low socioeconomic areas where literacy levels are poor compared to high socioeconomic areas.

Breast Cancer Network Australia

• Breast Cancer Network Australia Podcast Project to empower breast cancer patients to listen to topics relevant to their diagnosis and or interest where and when it suits them

• An online, evidence-based education resource to guide the physical rehabilitation of women before and after breast reconstructive surgery

Cancer Patients Foundation and Look Good Feel Better

• Additional confidence boosting Look Good Feel Better workshops, held nationally across 239 venues for those dealing with the effects of chemotherapy

Fight Cancer Foundation

• First Aid Kits including a defribulator machine, room first aid kits and infra-red thermometers for cancer patients and their families staying at Fight Cancer Foundation's BMDI Rotary House accommodation centre

Leukaemia Foundation

• National Patient Transport Program to continue providing transport to and from medical appointments. The service currently drives more than one million kilometres each year to ensure people get the medicines they need to beat their blood cancer.

• Upgrade of the Leukaemia Foundation Village’s for People Living with Blood Cancers

• Purchase of Patient Transport Vehicle

McGrath Foundation

• An additional McGrath Breast Care Nurse in Sydney, supporting more families experiencing cancer

Myeloma Australia

• Expansion of Myeloma Australia's Patient Support Group Program to provide information, support and opportunities for the myeloma community.

Ovarian Cancer Australia

• Younger Women's Project: a new program for younger women to fill the gap in support services available to Australian women under 50 who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Prostate Cancer Foundation

• Providing men with life-changing access to a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse

Redkite

• Redkite’s Education and Career Support Program: professional and experienced consultants who empower young adults with cancer to understand their skills and strengths, reconnect with their education and career pathways and develop plans so they can build their best possible futures after cancer.

The OTIS Foundation

• Retreats for breast cancer patients and their families, to provide some relief to those who are dealing with the challenges a cancer diagnosis brings, including significant social, emotional, psychological, physical and practical challenges.


Australian Capital Territory

Canberra Hospital  

• A Scalp Cooling Cap for use during chemotherapy, aimed at reducing the side-effect of hair loss cause by chemotherapy

• Newspapers & Magazines subscription for Duffy House and the Cancer Centre

• Water and Ice Station to make patients more comfortable during treatment

• Refurbishment of patient waiting areas to create a pleasant, non-clinical environment to conduct chemotherapy/stem cell collection and transplant education sessions for new patients.

Cancer Council ACT

• Cancer Information Booklets to provide information about specific cancers, diagnosis, treatment, side effects of treatment and life after cancer


New South Wales

Blacktown and Mount Druitt

• Children’s Play Area, to provide a safe space for patient's families to spend whilst their parent/caregiver/family member is undergoing treatment

Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle

• Upgrades to the Day Treatment Centre including new seating for the waiting are, and new treatment chairs for patients

• Scarves and Turbans for oncology patients to help maintain their identity, dignity, and confidence following hair loss.

• L-Dex ImpediMed Device to help identify lymphoedema in breast cancer patients

• Videos to provide education and information to patients, carers and the public about cancer treatment at the hospital

Camden and Campbelltown

• Patient Orientation Project to provide information about the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre including medical services provided, parking for patients, billings, pharmacy costs, clinical trials and accessing patient transport when undergoing treatment

Cancer Council NSW

• An informational podcast series for patients, exploring the clinical, practical, physical and emotional concerns of for people experiencing advanced cancer.

• Survivorship webinars focused on addressing survivorship issues and helping patients and carers adjust to life after cancer.

• Telephone-based support for cancer survivors to help to reduce their stress levels, improve diet and exercise and reduce their risk of cancer recurrence for some cancers

• Accommodation Upgrades at Lilier Lodge in Wagga Wagga

• ENRICHing Survivorship: a free, group-based program, introducing cancer survivors to important nutrition information, gentle physical activity, and key information about adjusting to life after cancer

• Information Resources for people affected by blood cancer; the production and print of three information booklets: Understanding Myeloma, Understanding Acute Leukaemia, and Understanding Hodgkin Lymphoma. These resources will be available in print and online.

• Expand Cancer Council Information Services in to three new hospitals, and also refurbish existing services in two locations

Cancer Wellness Support - Blue Mountains and Penrith

• Four ‘Living & Thriving’ three-day programs, to assist patients to look at ways to overcome the challenges of cancer and develop personal cancer care choices

Central Coast LHD - CoastCanCare

• CoastCanCare Wellness Program, providing information, practical tools and support to promote wellness for adult cancer patients in the Central Coast local community.

Chris O'Brien Lifehouse

• ICU chairs, providing acutely unwell and severely deconditioned patients with access to supportive and comfortable seating

• ICU Waiting Room Refurbishment including a new kitchenette and shower facilities, to accommodate carers with family members in the ICU

• Complementary Therapy Inpatient Program, providing free access to massage, reflexology and other complementary therapies for patients and their carers

• Power Plate Vibration Trainer to add to the programme of the exercise physiologists for patient recovery

Concord Cancer Centre

• Patient Check-in Kiosks to ensure that patients waiting for clinic appointments and treatments will be kept updated of any delays/updates

• Physical wellness program as part of the Surviorship program, including yoga, pilates, tai chi, and medical qigong classes

Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre

• Supportive Program Manager, responsible for the continuation of programs at the Wellness Centre

• Creative Legacy Program to create legacy artworks with patients and families in Palliative Care

• HiMed Cockpit Chairside Patient Entertainment Tablets for patients to access the internet for cancer information, entertainment through Wifi, gain access to Promp Surveys for improved patient outcomes and access to a Multilingual app

Moruya District Hospital

• ‘Connections’ Group, a program that presents topics that address the patient/carer’s health and wellbeing and psychological functioning, including information and discussion on nutrition, emotions, exercise, financial support, coping strategies and pain and symptom management

Nepean Cancer Care Centre, Penrith

• Exercise Program for Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation (ABMT) patients, before, during and after a transplant, reducing fatigue, emotional and physical decline in patients

• Pressure Relieving Equipment so patients can be discharged earlier and be more comfortable at home

• Refurbishment of Radiation Therapy patient room including new lounges, paintings and chairs for the patient interview room, to make it a more comfortable and relaxed environment

NICM Health Research Institute

• Supportive Care at the Westmead precinct of the Western Sydney Integrative Health (WSIH) centre: offering massage, acupuncture and yoga as supportive care to patients with cancer who may not typically be able to access these services due to financial constraints

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia

• Music Therapy at Illawarra Cancer Care Centre and Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre, using live and interactive music to support patients as they receive treatment for cancer.

Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards

• Continuation of Relaxation and Meditation Program, where participants are taught essential relaxation and meditation skills to support them through their cancer journey

• New Chemotherapy chairs in the Chemotherapy Day Treatment Unit, to increase patient comfort and safety during treatment

Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre

• “While You're Here” project: providing patients with reading materials and activities to distract and occupy them while waiting for appointments or during treatment

• Virtual Reality Patient Education for Radiation Therapy Patients, allowing patients and their carers to see how radiation works, what it will do to tumours, and what the treatment will look and sound like

St George Hospital

• Chemotherapy treatment chairs to improve the comfort of patients receiving chemotherapy

St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney

• Gift of Wellness Hardship Program, allowing patients experiencing hardship, to receive free complementary therapy treatments as part of their integrated care, to enhance their overall wellbeing

Sutherland Hospital

• Chemotherapy treatment chairs to improve the comfort of patients receiving chemotherapy

The Prince of Wales Hospital

• Fit out of Cancer Survivorship Centre with video-conferencing and AV/VC to run tele-health programs for patients accessing the Centre’s services by distance.

Westmead Hospital - The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre

• Radiotherapy Waiting Room Refurbishment to make patients and their carers more comfortable while they wait for treatment

Wollongong Hospital

• “Reinvigorate Our Space” project: refurbishing the Main Reception of the Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, to provide a safe and calm environment that welcomes patients and houses them comfortably during one of the most stressful periods of their lives


Northern Territory

Cancer Council NT 

• Comfort and educational items at Alice Springs Hospital chemotherapy unit, such as iPads for patient use, a commissioned piece of indigenous artwork, coffee machine and digital thermometers

• Information Resource Booklets for patients to ensure they are getting appropriate and relevant information about their diagnosis and treatment

• ‘Tree of Life’ Wellness workshops, using art, music and storytelling to enable cancer patients to draw strength in difficult times

• Wig program extension: purchase a range of new wigs, to provide to patients experiencing hair loss as a result of their cancer treatment

• Counselling room upgrades to create a calm, welcoming and relaxed environment for patient interaction


Queensland

Bundaberg Heath Services Foundation

• Cancer Patient Transport, providing patients with access to transport to ensure they are able to attend their treatment appointments

Cancer Council Queensland

• Expanding the Transport to Treatment Program into more areas, in order to support more cancer patients across Queensland.

Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation

• iSTAT for Mossman Hospital: a blood testing device allowing for accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment, often for injuries or illness at a patient’s bedside/point of care

• Remedial massage chair for Innisfail Hospital to provide comfort to patients who are receiving treatment for a substantial amount of time

• Vital Signs monitor for Atherton Hospital to significantly reduce the disturbance to patients

Mater Cancer Care Centre, Brisbane

• Nature scene wall wraps to enhance the surroundings of the cancer centre and help to lift the spirits of the patients

• Ward 10B Patient Lounge upgrades to give patients and their family members a private, non-clinical space

Mummy's Wish

• National Counselling Program: an online counselling program for mums with cancer and their families, to better manage the impact of her illness on their emotional wellbeing

The Wesley Hospital

• Expanding Complementary Therapy programs to allow more patients to access free therapy services at Choices Cancer Support Centre


South Australia

Cancer Council SA 

• Flinders Lodge room upgrades including new carpet and curtains in each room, new queen and single beds for guests, along with a new recliner and air conditioning to make guests’ stay more comfortable

• Metropolitan Cancer Council nurse outreach program, to engage face to face with people undergoing cancer treatment and their families where required, and refer them to the most appropriate Cancer Council SA support service

• Regional Nurse Program to ensure regional South Australians are aware of the services offered not only by Cancer Council, but also by the Government and other cancer related charities

The Mary Potter Foundation

• RESTORE Cancer Wellness Program at Calvary North Adelaide Hospital and Calvary Central Districts Hospital’s cancer centre. The program offers complementary therapy during treatment and educational workshops for people newly diagnosed with cancer.


Tasmania

Cancer Council Tasmania 

• Mindfulness Program to enhance physical, social and emotional wellbeing and support relationships of people affected by cancer

• Nutrition Program: 6 nutritional workshops for people in cancer survivorship and their carers

• Art Therapy program for young adults aged 18 - 25 year who have been impacted by their own diagnosis or through the cancer diagnosis of a significant other

• Pilates for Cancer Patients at Northern Cancer Support Centre, Launceston

• Upgrades to Southern Cancer Support Centre to provide a more conducive, practical and comfortable space for education, training and support programs

WP Holman Clinic

• Refurbishment of the Radiation Simulation area to include an interview room and changing area


Victoria

Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre 

• Continuation of wellness program including massage, yoga, Art Therapy, Financial Counselling, Shiatsu, Mindfulness, Delta Dog visits, Reiki and more

• Vital Signs Monitor to significantly reduce the disturbance to patients

Barwon Health's Andrew Love Cancer Centre, Geelong

• Therapy Programs including exercise therapy, a nutrition program and oncology massage

• Patient Bedside Entertainment System, to ensure the patient has access to the latest technology to watch TV, play games, listen to the radio, order food, send emails, surf the internet and video conference with doctors if needed

Bendigo Health

• Upgrades to Lucan Street cancer patient accommodation including new lighting and fittings, a new recliners for cancer patients, to make the accommodation more comfortable

Cancer Council Victoria

• ‘Now I can understand’: producing cancer information and support resources in multiple languages for Cancer Council’s most-used information resources including: What is cancer?, Coping with cancer fatigue, Caring for someone with cancer, How we help to support

Eastern Health Cancer Services

• Bedside arm chairs for each room on the Oncology/Haematology Ward at Box Hill Hospital

Flinders Foundation

• Developing and furnishing the family room at the new wellness centre at Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer (FCIC), to provide a dedicated space for the entire family to be a part of diagnosis, treatment and other stages of living with cancer.

Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre (Austin Health)

• Gentle yoga for cancer patients to improve sleep, decrease stress and enhance quality of life

• Creating music memories: using clinical song writing to create songs written by people experiencing cancer with the assistance of music therapists

• Cancer Information and Resource Service to help patients access information related to their diagnosis and prognosis, assists in making treatment decisions to empower them in this process, and accessing support services

• Oncology Massage for cancer patients to reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea and depression

• LiveWell, a post-treatment group to provide information and help develop practical skills in managing a healthy lifestyle whilst coping with the after effects of their cancer and its treatment

Pancare Foundation

• Patient Support Days to support people affected by pancreatic cancer, from point of diagnosis through to recovery from treatments, to ensure patients are receiving the very best care and information at all stages of their diagnosis and treatment

Peninsula Health

• Improving patient wellbeing on Ward 5SF at Frankston Hospital through therapeutic massage, to reduce symptoms of cancer treatment such as pain, nausea, anxiety, depression and fatigue.

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

• Oncology massage and writing master class at the Wellbeing Centre to enhance the support for the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of cancer patients

Royal Melbourne Hospital

• iPads for Head, Neck and Thyroid cancer patients on the ward to exercise their brain after surgery

• Refurbishment 3 West Day Surgery unit to make the waiting are a more calm, comfortable and cosy environment for patients and families who come in for endoscopy procedures

• Purchase of T34 Syringe Pumps which deliver medications continuously to maintain symptom control and comfort in patients who are no longer able to take oral medication

St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne

• Additional scalp cooling caps for use with the Scalp Cooling Machine, which decreases the scalp temperature and blood flow to hair follicles, the cooling caps alleviate the damage of chemotherapy

The Alfred, Melbourne

• Patient accommodation for rural and regional patients, providing with ‘hotel style’ accommodation close to the hospital


Western Australia

Cancer Council Western Australia 

• 13 11 20 Information and Support Line, a free, confidential information and support service, available to those affected by or concerned about cancer and works to connect West Australians with relevant support, information and resources

• Establish a new CCWA Cancer Support Centre at Fiona Stanley Hospital, to reach more patients and families who need psychosocial support and access to cancer support services

Fiona Stanley Hospital

• Treatment Diaries, allowing patients and their families to track appointments and symptoms, improve communication, knowledge of treatments and encourage questions

SolarisCare Cancer Support Centres

• Continued delivery of services at five centres, including exercise groups, support groups, art therapy and complementary therapies

• Patient information booklets to support cancer patients to make informed and safe choices about the options for managing their cancer journey and the associated symptoms of their disease and treatment

• Complimentary patient comfort packs including organic soaps, lip balms, hair and scalp products and information booklets

• Patient Support Courses including educational resources, one on one counselling, group therapies such as poetry writing, exercise activities, and other resources to assist individuals to cope and adapt to their current situation


Dry July Foundation

Raised

$1,307.40

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