Thanks to Dry July participants and the generosity of the Dry July Foundation, patients and their families affected by cancer are now receiving additional support with a new Cancer Wellness Centre opened at Flinders in February 2020.
The new centre is the focal point of a new cancer wellness program, designed to ease the burden of cancer and address many of the unmet needs of patients and their families during and after cancer treatment – many of which can be lifelong.
This extra support focuses on a range of physical, educational, emotional and practical impacts which cancer can often have, including fatigue, anxiety, dietary, financial and employment concerns, among others. The centre will also be a valuable conduit in connecting patients and carers with support groups and other services in the community.
It's only thanks to the generosity of organisations and fundraisers in the community - like Dry July - that this was made possible. Thank you!
Funds raised by 2019 Dry July participants provided vital funding for Arts in Health programs in the centre, including art and music therapy, and activities which promote wellness including meditation.
Clinical Director for Cancer Services Professor Chris Karapetis was grateful for the role Dry July participants and the Dry July Foundation have played in establishing this centre.
“For many, being diagnosed with cancer is the most traumatic life event they will experience. They can be overwhelmed with information, and at the same time often don’t know where to turn to for help in addressing the ‘knock-on’ effects of cancer,” Professor Karapetis said.
“In having a new and unique space like the Wellness Centre, we’ll be able to extend support beyond treating just cancer itself, and provide patients and their families with holistic support that encompasses all aspects that contribute to a healthier life so they can really thrive, during and after cancer.”
Thank you so much for participating in Dry July, and supporting people affected by cancer. Your efforts make an incredible impact.
