Deane Reynolds - Royal Melbourne Hospital Dry July Ambassador

Deane Reynolds from Kensington is the ambassador for the Royal Melbourne Hospital 2019 Dry July campaign.

Deane hadn’t really heard about head and neck cancer before. It all began when food started getting stuck in his throat as he ate his meals. His local doctor initially told him that it was reflux. After symptoms persisted, he was sent to a specialist, where he received the dreaded diagnosis of cancer.  

It was all a whirlwind at the beginning. He was given a 50 per cent chance of recovering. After long months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the weight of his prognosis left him wondering whether he would be able to get through it all. His greatest incentive was to keep going for his wife, Maxine.  

Deane continued doing what he loved most; gardening and cooking. In between rounds of chemotherapy, he tended to his garden, as well as his neighbours’. Deane could no longer eat, but he still cooked dinner for Maxine each night after she returned home from work.   

Deane was relieved when he finally received the news that the cancer had left his body. Most of all, he had missed eating and was over the moon to find that he had regained his taste. Now, he thoroughly enjoys his meals, as well as a good glass of red. Deane is a wine enthusiast and celebrated with a trip to the Barossa Valley with Maxine after he received the all clear. 

He was blown away by the talent, dedication and passion RMH staff show for their patients, which he says is the reason why he is still here today. Deane says he’s willing to stay off the booze just a little longer for Dry July, as a way of saying thank you to the wonderful surgeons, nurses and staff that cared for him. 

“I’m doing Dry July to thank the RMH for giving me a second bite out of the cherry of life.” 

The RMH 2019 Dry July goal is to raise $75,000 towards patient-care items and equipment for the head and neck cancer services and ward 7B. SIGN UP for Dry July and help ensure patients with cancer receive the best in care throughout their journeys of recovery. Alternatively, you can make a donation to RMH Dry July campaign HERE