Eastern Health

"We are incredibly grateful to the Dry July community and our dedicated Eastern Health staff for raising more than $21,800 in our inaugural campaign, exceeding our $20,000 goal. Thanks to this funding, we will be able to replace two treatment chairs in our cancer services with new Quantum Treatment Recliners, providing greater comfort, support and dignity for patients during lengthy treatments. For many people, these chairs become their home for hours at a time. This generosity will make a meaningful difference to the experience of cancer patients, while also supporting their families and carers through a more comfortable and compassionate treatment environment. We look forward to sharing an update when this equipment arrives."

Philip Parente, Clinical Services Director, Cancer Services

We are absolutely blown away by the support shown for our Dry July campaign.

Together, we've raised almost $18,000, putting us within touching distance of our $20,000 goal! 🎉

To everyone taking part, donating, sharing posts, cheering on friends and colleagues, or helping spread the word, thank you. Your support is making a real difference for people and families affected by cancer.

With 21 days completed, many participants are already enjoying the benefits of Dry July, from better sleep and increased energy to improved focus and a huge sense of achievement.

As we head into the final 10 days, let's keep the momentum going! If you're participating, share your Dry July journey with your community. Tell people how you're feeling, what you've learned, or what has helped keep you motivated, and don't forget to tag @easternhealthau.

We're so close to $20,000. Let's finish strong and reach this amazing milestone together! 🙌✨

Dry July has officially started! 🙌

First up a HUGE thank you to everyone who’s already signed up and started fundraising for Eastern Health 💛 You’re incredible.

Now for the real question…

If it’s not wine or beer tonight, what’s in your cup? 👀

☕ Fancy hot chocolate?

🍵 Herbal tea?

🧋 Iced matcha?

🥤 Sparkling water with a slice of lime?

We’re officially declaring July the month of elevated non-alcoholic rituals 😄

Post a picture of your go-to Dry July drink on Instagram and tag us at @easternhealthau. Let’s inspire each other to stay on track AND keep those donations flowing.

You've already made an amazing start so let’s keep going strong 💪

This July, our incredible staff have come together with passion and purpose, proudly signing up for Dry July in support of Eastern Health Cancer Services. Your commitment, captured in this collage, represents more than giving something up, it represents standing up for patients, families, and our community. 

A huge shoutout to our Cancer Services team, who have already raised an amazing $5,000+, and to the ISS Facility Services teams, contributing an impressive $2,000+. Your dedication is truly inspiring. 

To every staff member who has signed up, donated, and supported this cause, we say thank you. Together, we’ve nearly reached $10,000, halfway to our goal, and every dollar brings comfort, care, and support to those who need it most. 

Let’s keep the momentum going. Every contribution counts. Every effort matters. And together, we are making a real difference. 

HEALTHIER TOGETHER!! 

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.