Lockie’s story is a powerful reminder of how small moments of comfort can make an immeasurable difference during the hardest of times.

At 33, Lockie was known by his parents, Merrilyn and Michael, as vibrant and joyful. He had Down syndrome and was non-verbal, but deeply expressive and affectionate. When Lockie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow his world changed overnight.

Lockie spent 13 long weeks as an inpatient at Eastern Health, receiving intensive treatment. Over time, the energetic young man his parents knew began to fade. Merrilyn and Michael stayed close, rarely leaving his side as the days grew heavier and more uncertain.

Then one day, Daisy walked into the room.

Daisy is one of Eastern Health’s therapy dogs and from the moment she padded gently to Lockie’s bedside, something shifted.

“Lockie is very tactile,” Michael recalls. “When that beautiful dog came up and gently rested her paws on the bed, he instinctively reached out to touch her. It was a beautiful moment.”

Merrilyn agrees. “The therapy dogs were drawn to him. We got to witness some truly precious moments.”

For Lockie, those visits became moments of calm and connection in an otherwise overwhelming hospital stay. During therapy dog visits, he relaxed. He smiled more. And in those moments, so did his parents.

These dogs don’t just lift spirits they help patients feel safe, soothed and human again. Their calming presence can support rest, emotional wellbeing and a sense of normality at a time when so much feels out of control.

Tragically, Lockie’s leukaemia was aggressive. Not long after his family shared his story with us, Lockie returned home for palliative care. He passed away peacefully soon after, surrounded by love.

Merrilyn and Michael asked us to share Lockie’s story to honour his life and to thank the community whose care and generosity made moments of comfort possible during an incredibly difficult time.

Every day, around 140 oncology patients receive care across Eastern Health. Many spend long hours undergoing treatment, where comfort, dignity and a sense of calm can make a real difference to their experience.

This Dry July, your support will help fund two Quantum Recliner treatment chairs state-of-the-art equipment designed to enhance comfort during cancer treatment. These chairs provide greater support and adjustability, helping patients feel more at ease during long and often challenging appointments.

By supporting Dry July, you’re helping create a more caring, compassionate environment for people when they need it most because comfort isn’t a luxury. It’s an essential part of healing.