The Relaxation and Meditation Program has been able to continue in 2017 -

2018 thanks to the funds raised by our supporters. The program specifically caters for people with cancer and their carers. We rely solely on Dry July Funds to run

this program, which is held in Chatswood at the Dougherty Community Centre once a week. The program supports participants to cope better with the impact of cancer and ultimately aims to improve their wellbeing during and after cancer treatment.

The funds raised have also continued to support the Wig Library at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre. Due to the generosity of Dry July and our supporters, the funds have allowed us to purchase additional wigs and stock wig care kits for patients being treated in the Northern Sydney region. The service is open to patients from both public and private hospital in the area and is a free service. We now stock over 400 wigs from high quality brands, giving people with cancer access to a

service that they would otherwise have to pay hundreds of dollars for. The service therefore gives patients choice and reduces some of the stress of managing hair loss from cancer treatment.

Dry July helped Royal North Shore Hospital purchase 7 new treatment chairs for the day unit.

The patients who receive their treatment in these chairs regularly tell the Nursing staff how much more comfortable they are when they have to sit in them for hours on end. The Nurses also report that the chairs have improved patient safety and allow them to administer treatment more easily.

"These chairs are heaven compared to the old ones. They've made a long day of treatment much more comfortable and they're so much easier to get on and off as well. The nurses love them as it is easier and safer for them to treat us.

Bruce 79 years

• Treatment Chairs for the Chemotherapy Suits – These have arrived in the Day Treatment Unit and have increased the comfort and safety for patients. We hope to be able to apply for more funding for chairs in the future!

• Cansupport’s Wig Library – We have been able to increase the range of wigs that we have available for patients who are experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment. The service is very popular and relies on Dry July funding to continue. We want to give women and men choice and ultimately confidence.

• Relaxation and Meditation Program - We have been able to expand this program thanks to Dry July to offer another weekly class solely for people with Cancer and their carers.

• Blanket Warmer – We have recently received the Blanket Warmer that Dry July has funded. This is being used in the Day Treatment Unit and will help keep patients comfortable and warm during their chemotherapy treatment.

The funds raised through Dry July 2016 for Royal North Shore Hospital will go towards a number of projects and programs to support cancer patients, including:

- CanSupport Program
- Production of a DVD for patients newly diagnosed with head & neck cancer
- Blanket Warmer
- Patient Information Booklets
- Wall Art for Treatment Suite 1 (Brachytherapy Suite)

The CanSupport Program funding will cover:

- Charge Bar for patients mobile phones and tables
- Turban Project (to provide patients with access to turbans and headwear)
- Creative Writing Course
- One-stop shop education program
- NSCC Orientation Program resource pack for 1000 patients
- Carers Pamper & Info Pack
- Wall Mural for Wig Library
- Flowers for waiting areas

On Friday 15 July, staff at the Moody Chef donned superhero costumes to raise awareness for and encourage people to participate in Dry July in support of the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre at Royal North Shore Hospital.

In addition, throughout the month of July:

- Moody Chef will place a DJ Sticker on coffee cups/lids to promote awareness and registration

- Decorate their outlets with DJ posters, bunting etc

- Take up a Coin Collection at the main payment counters for both outlets for 2 weeks (staff will donate their tips)