Dry July fundraising plus a generous grant from Dry July Foundation has enabled Choices Cancer Support Centre to continue to provide the following programs for people affected by cancer in our community.

1. Men's and Women’s Choices Gym Maintenance Program

For people completing cancer treatment, research demonstrates that maintaining an exercise program is an important factor in mitigating late and long-term side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. The exercise program also allows people to connect to others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Overall, this engagement can improve the mental health and wellbeing of our patients and directly impact their recovery.

2. Art, Writing, Music Therapies

Art, writing and music therapies have been proven to support and positively influence peoples wellbeing and rehabilitation during and after cancer treatment.

Writing may facilitate cognitive processing of the diagnosis and treatment relating to cancer. There is demonstrated benefit for patients in the palliative care setting where art and writing can be used to express thoughts and feelings not only for themselves but also for their loved ones.

Art involves the use of creative techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, colouring or sculpting to help people express themselves artistically and examine the psychological and emotional undertones in their art.

Music is different to music entertainment as it focuses on health, functioning and wellbeing. It is used to assist in many different situations, but is especially beneficial in supporting stress relief and managing anxiety and depression.

3. Wigs and Turbans

Hair loss is one of the most well-known side effects of cancer treatment. For many people, losing their hair can be extremely distressing and is often more feared than the treatment itself. This affects both men and women and is a constant reminder of what they are going through.

There is evidence that many women are concerned about their school-age and teen-age children who may feel uncomfortable because their mother’s appearance is different. For these women, wearing a wig often allows them to look “normal”, however many of our clients do not have the means for this additional expense. This support reduces the stress associated with the expense of sourcing and paying for a wig and positively impacts our patients’ emotional wellbeing.