Flinders Foundation

Thanks to the wider support of our community, the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer brings world-class research and compassionate care together under one roof.

At its heart is the Flinders Cancer Wellness Centre, a place many describe as a haven, where they feel seen, heard, and supported as whole people, not just patients.

Last year, Dry July Foundation supported the pilot employment of Program Manager Elsbeth Falster (pictured), who has expanded the Centre’s role and strengthened services to better support people through their cancer journey.

With backing from Dry July Foundation and people like you, new initiatives are enhancing both practical and emotional care.

Elsbeth's role has included expanding the Wig and Headwear Library, together with Look Good Feel Better workshops, help patients maintain dignity and confidence while fostering connection with others facing similar challenges.

Every day, patients and families are welcomed by trained volunteers, Cancer Council services, and McGrath Nurses, who provide compassionate guidance and specialised cancer support.

This integrated approach ensures people can access the care, information, and reassurance they need in one place, making the Centre a truly supportive environment throughout treatment, tied together by the Program Manager.

This year, I'm going Dry in July in memory of my Dad — making it deeply personal and incredibly meaningful. Losing him to cancer was one of the hardest experiences of my life, and this is my way of honouring his memory while supporting a cause that helps others going through similar battles.

I’ve chosen to support Flinders Foundation again, also in memory of my friend Kylie — the person who first encouraged me to take part, and the face of last year’s campaign. Sadly, Kylie lost her battle with cancer shortly after Dad. Both of them left a lasting impact on me, and it's in their memory that I take on this challenge.

Dad was truly blessed to have Mum by his side throughout his illness — providing love, care, and being his voice when he couldn’t be his own. But sadly, not everyone has that kind of support. That's why initiatives like the Cancer Wellness Centre are so vital — they offer holistic care that goes beyond medical treatment, providing emotional support, dignity, and comfort during one of life’s most difficult journeys.

Having witnessed cancer’s impact firsthand, I know that treatment is only part of the story. The emotional toll it takes on patients and families can be just as overwhelming. Everyone deserves support that helps them face each day with strength and hope.

Being involved in Dry July has helped me channel grief into something positive and purposeful. It’s shown me the strength and resilience of those affected by cancer, and the profound impact of community support. Even the little things — like a friend pinky promising to donate if I stick to it — remind me that kindness, care, and laughter matter more than we realise.

This isn’t just a challenge. It’s a tribute. It’s a thank you. And it’s a step toward ensuring no one has to face cancer alone.

Dry July isn’t just about giving up alcohol — it’s about connection, community, and compassion. Whether you're taking part or making a donation, you’re helping to ease the journey for cancer patients and their loved ones. 

Click here to donate to my Dry July campaign for Flinders Foundation. You can give patients and their families hope. Funds raised will go to supporting holistic wellbeing.

Tiana Battilana

When Teresa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, her world changed overnight. The uncertainty of treatment, side effects, and emotional toll weighed heavily. She turned to the Cancer Wellness Centre at the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, looking for support beyond medical care.

One of the most valuable resources she found was the exercise program. Working out in the centre’s gym alongside chemotherapy helped her manage side effects, reduce fatigue, and regain strength. Just as importantly, it provided a sense of community, allowing her to connect with others who truly understood what she was going through.

“When receiving treatment I had an appointment with a nurse and learned that there were many services in the Cancer Wellness Centre that was very helpful. We talked about how important it is to look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing during this time.

I joined the gym, with a professional trainer who gave us personalised fitness plans to follow. On top of those exercises, I did yoga, meditation and healthy eating to get me through that difficult time.”

For Teresa, the Cancer Wellness Centre became a lifeline—a place to heal, connect, and find strength beyond her diagnosis. Cancer care is about more than just medical treatment; patients need exercise, creative outlets, emotional support, and community to navigate their journey.

Many patients, however, are unaware of these vital services. A Cancer Wellness Program Manager is crucial to ensuring every person at the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer has access to holistic, wraparound support—just as Teresa did.

The Flinders Foundation has funded two Paxman Cold Cap machines in the Flinders Infusion Suite. These machines are used by patients in an attempt to prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy. As the temperature of the cooling cap is significantly lower than the skin’s normal temperature, scalp cooling triggers vasoconstriction and consequently a reduction in blood (flow) perfusion to between 20-40% of normal blood flow levels. Reduction of blood flow translates to reduction in the extent of drug exposure, and therefore hair follicle damage overall. These cold caps have been very well used and replacement caps for the machines are required. The total funding received from the Dry July campaign was $10,236.55. 

Hair loss is an unfortunate and traumatic side effect of chemotherapy that for some patients can be avoided through the use of cold caps. The infusion suite has the machines that activate the cold caps but now, after many years of use, the caps themselves are needing to be replaced. With hundreds of patients each year being supported at the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, this service is key to providing support to patients in their cancer journey by allowing them to retain some dignity and self-esteem.

This initiative has proven to be highly successful. With the funds from Dry July, the Flinders Infusion Suite have been able to purchase the latest model of cold caps which are providing more impact and comfort to patients

We’re beyond excited to share that, thanks to your incredible support, we surpassed our Dry July goal in an amazing way! Our initial target was $11,000, but with your help, we raised close to $24,000! Your generosity will make a real difference in the lives of those who visit the Flinders Infusion Suite.

Dry July is more than just a month of abstaining from alcohol. It’s about creating positive change for those living with cancer. This year, your contributions are helping us enhance the care and comfort of cancer patients at the Flinders Infusion Suite.

Thanks to your support, we’re funding an essential handheld ultrasound machine. This device will make vein location easier, reducing the need for multiple attempts and minimising patient discomfort. Beyond this, it also lowers infection risks, reduces anxiety, and saves valuable time for both patients and staff.

Your commitment will directly support this important upgrade, helping people like Kylie and Marrack. Whether you gave up alcohol, swapped other indulgences, or spread the word, every effort has contributed to this success.

And because we raised even more than we had hoped, we’re thrilled to announce . that we’ll be funding additional equipment to further improve patient care at the Flinders Infusion Suite. Every donation, no matter the size, pushed us past our original goal and will allow us to do even more for patients.

Thank you for your amazing generosity and dedication. Together, we’re making a real difference!