Dry July Foundation

We’re thrilled to announce the initial projects being funded from Dry July fundraising in 2019. 

The following funding has been awarded to our major beneficiaries and campaign beneficiaries, and additional funding will be distributed to successful applicants of the Dry July Foundation Grant Program in November.  

Major Beneficiaries

Cancer Council 

Dry July funding will go towards the national 13 11 20 support line service. A confidential cancer information and support phone line, run by experienced Cancer Nurses, connecting Aussie cancer patients and their families to resources and services.

Leukaemia Foundation 

This year, funds raised during Dry July will directly support the Leukaemia Foundation’s National Transport to Treatment Program. For people living with blood cancer, getting to and from hospital for treatment can be an extra burden at an already stressful time. Especially for those who have already relocated from rural or remote areas for cancer treatments, who don’t have any other means of transport, or who have limited finances.

Look Good Feel Better 

2019 funds will allow for 420 Look Good Feel Better workshops, dedicated to teaching cancer patients how to manage the appearance-related side-effects caused by treatment for any type of cancer.

McGrath Foundation 

Dry July funds in 2019 will go towards funding the McGrath Breast Care Nurse program, which provides invaluable support and care to women and men experiencing breast cancer.

Funding will go towards 4 nurses based in Albury/Wodonga VIC, Frankston VIC, Gatton QLD and Sunshine Coast QLD, and 2 part-time nurses based in Port Augusta SA and Kalgoorlie WA

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia 

Dry July funds will support Australian men with life changing support from a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse (PCSN), being there to support patients with any health and emotional challenges during (and after) their treatment. Funds from 2019 will allow for a 3 year contract for a PCSN in Queensland.

Redkite  

No matter where in Australia a young person is treated or lives, Redkite’s professional support team is available for them and their families to give counselling, financial assistance for travel to and from hospital, cover rent and food, along with educational and career support.

Funds from Dry July 2019 will go towards Redkite’s Cancer Journey Program for Young People, and co-funding of Diagnosis Support Packs for Young People.

Campaign Beneficiaries 

Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, VIC 

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

Barwon Health's Andrew Love Cancer Centre, Geelong, VIC 

• Wellness Lounge programs and patient comfort items: art therapy; exercise therapy, iPads, blankets, cushions, headphones

• Assistance for Ba-Lee Lodge renovation - repainting 5 Self Contained Apartments

Bendigo Health, VIC

• Dry July Wellness Program at Bendigo Health's Cancer Centre

Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, NSW

• Ward 5B (Oncology ward)

o Communication Boards: Dry wipe boards to help non-verbal (Tracheotomy) patients communicate with doctors, nurses, family and friends while staying on the ward

o Comfort care items for patients to make their stay on the ward more comfortable, including rechargeable hand held fans, eye masks and ear plugs

• Ward 5C (Haematology Ward)

o General Equipment for the ward: Comfort furniture and furnishings - leg rests/cushions/wedges/fans etc.

o Bariatric Equipment: Seeing an increase in demand and loan pool often out of stock of general equipment for larger patients

o 1 x Portable O2 Concentrator Pack: Portable oxygen so patients can move around/sit outside with visitors etc.

o 2 x SAM Overlay Mattresses

o 1 x TIS Electric Mobile Shower Commode

o 5 x fully positional specialist electric patient chairs

• Blanket Warmer for the Melanoma Unit

• 5 x treatment chairs for the Day Treatment Centre: New chemotherapy chairs to replace older style that are worn out. New chairs have silica upholstery and built in multimedia platform.

Central Coast LHD – CoastCanCare, NSW

• Ongoing Funding for CoastCanCare wellness program for the Central Coast

CoastCanCare provides information, education and support programs for patients and carers to develop skills for coping with a cancer diagnosis, treatments and treatment side effects, such as fatigue, pain and anxiety. Many of the CoastCanCare programs focus on reducing anxiety and stress and is a great space for patients and carers to connect with and support each other. Those attending the Program are then better equipped to stick with their treatment plan with the best possible outcomes... and to manage their health and well-being at the end of their care.

Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, NSW

• Gym Garden: Build a small garden outside gym window

• Speech Pathology Tools to relieve anxiety in tracheotomy patients. The tracheostomy model can demo how the procedures are performed

• New Yoga Equipment

• Connect Pods for Clinics: 6 workspace 'pods' including computers connected to the internet so that patients can work/ stay connected whilst in hospital

• Bladder scanner

• Commodes and shower chairs for patient rooms and visitor chairs for Level 9 south

• Maintenance of Patient Transport: Keeping the Transport to Treatment service going, to help patients get to can from treatment and appointments

• Physiotherapist Rehab Equipment: Fortress mobile posture mirror, Fortress Rolling platform step and ankle weights

• Charging Stations for Waiting Rooms, to help keep patients devices fully charged so they can stay connected with family and friends during treatment

• Continued Complementary Inpatient Program: Ongoing Massage/reflexology program for patients or carers

• Ongoing funding for Arterie Carterie Art Therapy Program

• Lymphoedema Management Program: Lymphoedema drainage massage, laser therapy, exercise and acupuncture services for patients with Lymphoedema

Flinders Foundation, SA

• Arts in Health services as part of the Cancer Wellness Program at Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer

Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, NSW

• Funding from Dry July continues to support the Wellness Centre at Liverpool Hospital. Wellness Programs offered at the centre include Tai Chi, Qigong, meditation, acupuncture, cooking, gardening, zumba, and exercise physiology.

• Purchase and installation of 20 Free to Air TV's for Palliative Care Ward (currently, patients in palliative care have to pay a daily rate for access to free-to-air TV)

Mater Cancer Care Centre, Brisbane, QLD

• Return to Wellness Program: High risk breast cancer women having all treatments will be able to access a guided exercise program (once or twice a week) with a Physiotherapist and Breast Care Nurse

Nepean Cancer Centre, Penrith, NSW

• Refurbishment Blood Collection room including patching, painting of mural and installing shelving

• Radiotherapy Patient Gowns for make patients more comfortable during their treatment

• Urinalysis machine and 2 x observation machines to improve care for inpatients

• Body composition analyser for patients, to detect whether early intervention is required from Allied Health professionals

• Body Fluid Analyser for breast patients to help prevent Lymphoedema (swelling of certain parts of the body)

• Nikki Pumps, a mobile automated drug delivery system which enables palliative care at home

• Specialist seating for with cushions that mold to patient who will be sat for long periods for Stem Cell Infusion

• Installation of a hand painted mural to enhance the patient waiting room

North West Cancer Centre, Tamworth, NSW

• Mobile lymphoedema/remedial massage therapist and physiotherapist for house bound patients in New England North West area. This service helps improve access to Lymphoedema Services for patients

Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, VIC

• Exercise Physiologists at the ONJ Centre Wellness Gym, allowing the gym to increase hours to meet demand (currently 41 patients on wait list)

• Cancer Information and Resource Service

• Continued funding for the Oncology Massage Program

Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD

• Purchase of computers for patient computer hub, for patients to access latest information and keep connected whilst attending appointments

• Patient refreshment area

• Pet Therapy Program

• Kitchen Renovation and introduction of nutrition and cooking classes

Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW

• Continuation of CanSupport program including relaxation and meditation; wig library and cancer support programs.

Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre, NSW

• Wellness Activities including Yoga, Tai Chi and massage

• Art and our community: Commission of local indigenous artist to produce bespoke artwork for the centre

• Enhancements to Patient Accommodation: Purchase of comfort items at the Shoalhaven Cancer Accommodation Centre - iPads, Coffee machines, pots, pans and sandwich press

• While You're Here Project: Magazine subscriptions and entertainment packs for children

Solaris Cancer Care, WA

• Production of booklets outlining services available at Solaris Cancer Centres.

• Patient Education Seminars - Specific and detailed education and information to cancer patients

• Exercise & complementary therapies

• Implementing an ongoing program of guided meditation through drumming

• Purchase of oils, creams, disposable head sheets for massage therapy.

• Counselling Services

St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, NSW

• BMT Ward Family Room & Wellbeing Programs - Purchase of iPads, gaming consoles plus various group sessions (meditation/art therapy/massage and reflexology)

• Group Wellbeing Programs in 2020 - 2 x 8 week Meditation and Mindfulness programs; 8 x Art Therapy 2 hour workshops and 3 x 6 week Yoga programs.

• Lymphoedema Management - Lymphoedema drainage massage therapist

St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC

• Christmas decorations for Cancer Centre, 6th Floor Oncology - hire and installation of professional Christmas Decorations

• Daily Newspapers for waiting areas

• Fresh Flowers weekly in waiting areas

• Android & Apple device chargers - purchase of chargers as patients often forget to bring their own

• Special treat for the patients: Tim Tams, Carman's Muesli Bars, No Sugar Soft Drink, Luxury Tea Bags

• Exercise Equipment - purchase of hand weights, exercise mats and stretch bands

• Basic over-ear headphones - for patients in multi-bed rooms

• Reusable waterproof covers for PICCs - More comfortable than waterproof taping

• Eyemasks and earplugs to block out surrounding ward noise and light, and enable rest during treatment

• Aromatherapy Oils and Diffusers to provide a more calming and relaxing atmosphere

• New artwork for Ward 6 West

• Kids toys for 6 west 'common room' to entertain children and enable adults to catch up

• Art Supplies for the patient art room for Art Therapy

• New faux plants for sunroom & common rooms on the 6th floor

• Document Holders at each patient’s bedside in the cancer centre, to reduce loose paper and give patients somewhere to store relevant pamphlets and information

The Alfred, Melbourne, VIC

• Expansion of the music therapy program from two days to three days

• Instruments for the music therapy program - Purchase of guitar, keyboard and iPad for patients to use during music therapy sessions

The Canberra Hospital, ACT

• Purchase of specialist chairs/pods that convert into beds with movable/breathable shade/cover that prevents noise and light penetration. Sleep Pods use psychoacoustic techniques to promote relaxation and sleep. These are for use by rural and regional patients that travel and need rest during treatment.

The Prince of Wales Hospital, NSW

• Cancer Survivorship Garden – Creating a beautiful, calming environment for the newly developed Cancer Survivorship Centre

The Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC

• Electronic Equipment Package - Purchase 3 x iPads and 5 cx Portable Combination Digital Radio/CD players

• Complimentary Hospital TV Rental - Ongoing rental of TV System in Palliative Care

• Platelet Incubator - Prevents wastage as once platelets dispensed from blood bank they cannot be returned

• General Equacel pressure relieving cushions

• Sara Steady Standing Hoist and iPad for speech pathology to assist ward based rehab, to speed recovery before rehab sessions

• BOSE Soundlink Bluetooth speaker to play music on the ward

• iPad for patient admission, to aid head and neck liaison nurse with visual resources

• iPad to email wound process photos so that patients can email wound progress photos

• Purchase Post Op Care Packages for 100 head and neck cancer patients

• Palliative Care Garden - Faux turf and plants for external 'balcony' area outside palliative care windows

The Wesley Hospital Choices Cancer Support Centre, QLD

• Women’s intra and post treatment exercise program

• Men’s intra and post treatment exercise program

Wollongong Hospital, NSW

• “While You’re Here”: Reading Materials in Patient Waiting Areas, “Busy nipper packs” to entertain children, Calm Colouring packs and Spotify account for radiation treatment area

• 2019/20 Survivorship and Mindfulness Program

• “Wollongong Strong” Patient Portrait Series Art Exhibition of portraits of previous cancer patients and support staff

• Reinvigorate Our Space - Oncology Day Centre Waiting Area - ICCC - Continuation of Refreshing our Patient Spaces Adding an extra space to the ongoing project.

With thanks to Grant Funding from Dry July (since 2017), has enabled the Eurobodalla Cancer Care Centre to design and deliver “Connections”, a wellness program for the region’s patients and their carers to assist manage the challenge cancer brings.

The Eurobodalla Cancer Care Centre (ECCC) treats around 180 people per month, along with their carers within the Eurobodalla Shire. The ECCS is serviced by two visiting Oncologists & Haematologists from Canberra, once per month. For our patients, access to complementary Allied Health services is via referral to external services.

The Dry July funded Connections program is the only support and education group available in the Eurobodalla Shire to support people affected by cancer. The ‘Connections’ program topics focus on health, wellbeing, coping tools & linkages to appropriate health and community services in and outside the region for people affected by cancer in the Eurobodalla. The Connections program also provides a forum in which patients can access accurate information from Allied Health professions without a referral to external services.

Feedback from participants in the Connections program includes;

- “the Connections program has made me feel validated, that I am not alone in this”

- “[the Connections program has] given me the opportunity to communicate better with my Specialists about how I am feeling”

- “[the Connections program has] taught me the tools I need to manage my stress, worry and sadness, so I can have more up-days”

- “being able to meet and talk to others from my local community, helped make going for treatment out of the area, easier, less confusing and less of a struggle”

Following the success of the 2018 campaign, the Dry July Foundation is continuing to extend its reach to help even more Aussies in need of cancer support. For the 2019 campaign, the Foundation has added youth cancer charity, Redkite, and breast cancer charity, McGrath Foundation to its list of major beneficiary partners.

Alongside the new beneficiaries, the Cancer Council has amalgamated all state divisions under one name, with funds being raised to support its nationwide 13 11 20 support line service.

The new partnerships build on the success of the 10th anniversary campaign, which saw a new record of over 36,000 Aussies sign up, and donations topping $7.7 million for the Foundation.

Dry July participants can sign up to the challenge and select one of the new charities as the beneficiary of their Dry July fundraising, or choose one of the existing 30 beneficiaries from around the country, including Prostate Cancer Foundation, Leukaemia Foundation, Look Good Feel Better, or one of many local cancer support organisations. These organisations will receive donations to help fund projects to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

The major beneficiaries being funded in 2019 are:

• McGrath Foundation – In Australia, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85. Dry July funds in 2019 will go towards funding the McGrath Breast Care Nurse program, which provides invaluable support and care to women and men experiencing breast cancer. From diagnosis right throughout treatment, the individual and their families are supported for free and with no referral.

• Redkite – A national charity which aims to give young people with cancer the best possible quality of life – now and into the future. No matter where in Australia a young person is treated or lives, Redkite’s professional support team is available for them and their families to give counselling, financial assistance for travel to and from hospital, cover rent and food, along with educational and career support.

• Cancer Council – Dry July funding will go towards the national 13 11 20 support line service. A confidential cancer information and support phone line, run by experienced Cancer Nurses, connecting Aussie cancer patients and their families to resources and services.

• Leukaemia Foundation – This year, funds raised during Dry July will directly support the Leukaemia Foundation’s National Transport to Treatment Program. For people living with blood cancer, getting to and from hospital for treatment can be an extra burden at an already stressful time. Especially for those who have already relocated from rural or remote areas for cancer treatments, who don’t have any other means of transport, or who have limited finances.

• Prostate Cancer Foundation - supporting Australian men with life changing support from a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse, being there to support patients with any health and emotional challenges during (and after) their treatment.

• Look Good Feel Better - funding workshops dedicated to teaching cancer patients how to manage the appearance-related side-effects caused by treatment for any type of cancer.

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

The Dry July Foundation is proud to announce a partnership with five of Australia’s biggest cancer charities.

The partnerships, with cancer charities based across the country, strengthen Dry July’s core purpose of supporting people affected by cancer. The beneficiaries will receive donations from the fundraising activities of Dry July participants.

Since 2008, Dry July has raised over $30 million in the last 10 years and has helped fund over 1,000 projects, including 198 facility upgrades, 179 therapy and wellness programs, wig libraries and chemotherapy scalp cooling machines.

In 2018, the new partners are The Leukaemia Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, which join Look Good Feel Better, Cancer Council NSW and Cancer Council WA as new major benefactors. Dry July participants can sign up to the challenge and select one of these charities as the main recipient of their Dry July fundraising.

The projects being funded are:

• Leukaemia Foundation - helping more than 750 families from regional Australia by providing free accommodation in capital cities, for people living with blood cancer during their treatment. Dry July funding will ensure the Leukaemia Foundation accommodation facilities across the country are comfortable and a homely place for patients, while also providing all the specialised care they need.

• Look Good Feel Better - funding workshops dedicated to teaching cancer patients how to manage the appearance-related side-effects caused by cancer treatment, empowering them to face their cancer with confidence. Dry July funding supports the delivery of 300 patient workshops nationally.

• Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia - supporting Australian men with life changing assistance from a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse, who are there to help patients with any health and emotional challenges during (and after) their treatment. Dry July funding will mean that more men and their families get expert nursing support on their prostate cancer journey.

• Cancer Council NSW – Dry July will contribute towards the purchase and installation of new air conditioning units and sun shades at the Lilier Lodge patient accommodation in Wagga Wagga. Lilier Lodge provided over 6000 nights of accommodation for cancer patients in the local community in the past year, and hot summers and cool winters mean the air con units are well-loved and in need of an upgrade.

• Cancer Council WA - Dry July funding will go towards the 13 11 20 support line service for the WA community. A confidential cancer information and support phone line run by experienced Cancer Nurses connecting WA to resources and services.

Dry July CEO, Brett MacDonald said "Reaching our 10th anniversary is an incredible milestone, we’ve helped fund many important projects over the years, and now by partnering with five of the biggest cancer charities in Australia, we can do even more to make the lives of cancer patients and their families a little more comfortable during a difficult time.”