Flinders Foundation

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!

When Tiana’s dear friend and colleague Kylie, who is currently undergoing treatment at Flinders for metastatic breast cancer, shared her involvement in the Flinders Foundation Dry July campaign, Tiana felt inspired to join in. With Kylie’s encouragement, Tiana signed up for the challenge that very afternoon.

Later that day, Tiana discovered a deeper personal connection to the cause during a conversation with her Mum.

“While chatting with Mum about it, she shared a memory of hers where Uncle Harry had a nickname for the only nurse who could find his vein with minimal discomfort. Making the decision to raise funds for the ultrasound device feel closer to home and extra special,” Tiana shared.

“I am so proud to be raising funds for Flinders Foundation in support of Kylie and in memory of Uncle Harry, who sadly lost his battle to leukemia in July 1996. I am completely overwhelmed by the generosity and support I have received so far and hope to raise a little more before the end of July.”

Cancer touches lives in countless ways, but with friends and family like Tiana, who rally behind their loved ones, making a difference becomes a shared mission.

Marrack's journey began unexpectedly with a fishing injury. While fishing 25km east of Kangaroo Island, Marrack had a fall that injured his rib. A CT scan revealed not only an intact rib but also a thickening at the base of his oesophagus, leading to a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer.

Despite the initial prognosis of a 20% survival rate to 5 years, further tests showed the cancer was localised, increasing his chances to 60%. After chemotherapy and radiation, Marrack is now preparing for major surgery, thanks to the expert care at Flinders.

Marrack faces the challenges of treatment with courage, even overcoming his fear of needles. He finds inspiration in the positive atmosphere at the Flinders Infusion Suite, where staff and fellow patients uplift one another.

Marrack praises the dedicated team at Flinders, highlighting their caring, friendly, and efficient approach. For patients with difficult vein access, the new ultrasound machine will make fitting cannulas easier and safer, reducing the risk of complications.

Joining Dry July was an easy decision for Marrack: "I’m not drinking for medical reasons, and I can squeeze my mates for a few bucks. It has since become a bit of a quest."

Let’s support Marrack and others like him by joining or donating to Dry July, helping to provide the best care for cancer patients. Together, we can make a difference!