The Royal Melbourne Hospital

 In 2022, Natasha’s life changed in an instant. What she thought was lingering symptoms from COVID turned out to be Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), leading to weeks in hospital and months of intensive treatment at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH).

Now living cancer-free, Natasha reflects on her cancer journey, the incredible care she received, and why supporting Dry July continues to make a real difference for patients and families facing cancer.

Looking back, can you tell us about the moment your life changed (being diagnosed)?  

Hearing the words "you have cancer" was terrifying. It didn't feel real, and for a long time it was hard to process that this was happening to me. In retrospect it still feels surreal that I was so acutely unwell only a few years ago. I meet people today who have no idea that chapter even existed, which is both strange and a reminder of how far I've come.

What do you remember most about your time receiving treatment at the Royal Melbourne Hospital?

Without question, it's the people. The staff on 7B and my treating team were extraordinary. They cared for me with such compassion, humour, and kindness during the hardest time of my life. I spent so much time there that the ward started to feel like home, and the people on 7B became like family. I'll always be grateful for the way they supported not just my treatment, but me as a person.

You were the Royal Melbourne Hospital's Dry July Ambassador in 2022. Why was it important for you to be involved?

I felt incredibly honoured to be asked to be the Dry July Ambassador. The Royal Melbourne Hospital gave me so much during my treatment, and it felt meaningful to be able to give something back. If sharing my story or encouraging people to support Dry July could help improve the experience of patients and their families, then it was an opportunity I wanted to be part of.

It's been a few years since you were an ambassador. Why do you believe Dry July is still so important? 

Because the need hasn't changed. Every day, people are receiving life-changing diagnoses and beginning a journey they never expected to be on. The funds raised through Dry July help make that experience a little easier, whether it's through supportive care, better facilities or services that focus on the person, not just the illness. Having experienced that support firsthand, I know how much those things matter, and that's why I'll always believe in the impact Dry July has for patients and their families.

 How has your own experience changed the way you think about community support (and what would you say to people to encourage them to donate)?

My own experience has given me a much deeper appreciation for the power of community support. Seeing people come together for a shared purpose and knowing that every contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a genuine difference has been incredibly inspiring. In a world where it's easy to feel disconnected, being part of a community that supports others is something truly meaningful. I'd encourage people to donate because it's an opportunity to create real impact and be part of something bigger than themselves.

Every dollar helps. Donate by 31 July and help save and change the lives of people living with cancer.

Professor Brian Le, Director of the RMH Palliative Care Unit, says Dry July is about so much more than giving up alcohol – it’s about giving comfort, dignity and support to cancer patients and their families when they need it most:

“Every bit helps. Our patients and families are often doing it a bit harder than we are. Every contribution helps improve dignity, comfort and wellbeing.”

This year, the RMH Foundation is raising funds for patient-focussed projects and equipment to directly help cancer care, including:

💕Patient Care Packs

🩺 Medical equipment - including devices which help clinicians locate veins more easily

💪🏻 Exercise equipment for patients

Whether you sign up for Dry July, donate to a participant, or share the campaign with your community, your support helps RMH cancer patients and families during some of their toughest times.

Join the RMH Dry July campaign or donate today!

The Haem Dream Team brought the sugar and the heart this Dry July with their much-loved annual cake stall on Ward 7B, and what a spread it was! From sweet treats to stickers, badges, and even a collection of second-hand books, the stall drew a steady crowd of staff, patients, and visitors all eager to support a great cause.

Their hard work paid off, raising an incredible $5,122 from the cake stall alone! But they didn’t stop there. Through donations and generous support from the RMH community, the team has now raised over $10,000 for Dry July, supporting vital services for people with cancer.

Ward 7B is home to our clinical haematology service for people with blood cancer and blood disorders. You’ll find patients receiving care for acute leukaemia, myelodysplasia, bone marrow failure syndromes, non-malignant disorders, and undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplants. It’s a place where strength, compassion, and expert care come together every day, and the Haem Dream Team exemplifies that spirit in every way.

A huge shoutout to everyone who baked, volunteered, donated, or dropped by to support and especially to the incredible organiser, Kat, who drove the stall to such sweet success. Your efforts make a real difference. Thank you!