Flinders Foundation

For Kristen Buik, taking part in Dry July for Flinders Foundation isn't about giving something up – it's about giving back.

Last year, her son Tom was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive sarcoma at just 24 years old, and has been receiving treatment at Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer. Since then, life for the Buik family has been measured in scans, chemotherapy treatments, specialist appointments and anxious waits for results.

"Giving up alcohol for 31 days is a small sacrifice," Kristen says. "If it helps raise funds for services and equipment that make life a little easier for people facing cancer and their families, it is the very least I can do."

While Kristen and her family walk beside Tom through every appointment and setback, she knows it is Tom who carries the burden of cancer every day.

"Watching him face this challenge with courage has changed the way our family sees the world. He is facing this disease with the same wisdom, grace and courage that have defined him throughout his life. He is my hero."

Through Dry July, Kristen hopes to raise awareness of both the incredible support available through Flinders Foundation and the unique challenges faced by people living with rare cancers, which often receive less funding, research and fewer treatment options.

She also wants other families facing cancer to know they are not alone.

"People often apologise because they don't know what to say, but caring enough to ask is often enough. Even the smallest acts of kindness can make an unbearable situation feel a little less lonely."

To anyone considering supporting Dry July, Kristen has a simple message:

"While you still have choices and options, consider making one that benefits people whose choices have been taken away from them. What may feel like a small sacrifice to you can have a profound impact on families navigating cancer."

This Dry July, every donation to Flinders Foundation will help fund specialised equipment at Flinders Medical Centre to reduce the painful side effects of chemotherapy, making treatment a little more comfortable for patients like Tom.

When Kangaroo Island local Emma Bell was diagnosed with bowel cancer at just 42, her world changed in an instant.

After months of tests with no clear answers, Emma underwent a colonoscopy expecting another inconclusive result. Instead, she was told she had a tumour that was very likely cancerous and would require surgery and chemotherapy.

"I was in complete shock," Emma recalls. "But my surgeon said, 'Stay positive – we've found it now and we can do something about it.' Those words gave me hope."

Throughout her treatment at Flinders Medical Centre, she and her family experienced the kindness and compassion that helped carry them through one of the most difficult times in their lives.

While Emma is incredibly grateful for the treatment that saved her life, she says the journey didn't end when chemotherapy finished.

"Maybe the lingering side effects like peripheral neuropathy – you don't want to complain about it, because it's a product of a treatment that has hopefully saved your life," she says. "But it's also a constant reminder and can be painful and make you feel clumsy."

Peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, numbness and functional impairment in the hands and feet, and for some patients, these side effects can be long-lasting or permanent.

This Dry July, Flinders Foundation is raising funds to purchase specialised cold therapy equipment for patients receiving certain chemotherapy treatments for the Infusion Suite at Flinders Medical Centre. By cooling patients' hands and feet during chemotherapy infusions, blood flow to vulnerable nerves is reduced, limiting exposure to neurotoxic agents and helping reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy.

For Emma, this is about giving future patients the opportunity not only to survive cancer, but to enjoy a better quality of life after treatment.

"It's wonderful to know this equipment will be available for patients in the Infusion Suite," Emma says. "They're not something that's easy to transport or store yourself, especially if you're travelling for treatment. Anything that helps reduce the risk of neuropathy is such an important investment in patients' quality of life."

By taking part in Dry July or making a donation, you can help ensure Flinders patients like Emma move beyond cancer with greater comfort and confidence.

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.