Westmead Hospital - The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre

The incredible $26,487 raised for the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre in Dry July 2026 will help provide greater comfort and support to people undergoing cancer treatment at Westmead Hospital.

Reusable patient care bags will be provided for people receiving radiotherapy, giving patients a practical way to safely store and carry their belongings, treatment items and personal clothing throughout their daily appointments. These resources will help improve comfort, dignity and convenience during treatment while also reducing waste.

"Congratulations to everyone who participated in Dry July 2026, and a heartfelt thank you to our incredible supporters who made this year’s campaign such a success.

We are thrilled to announce that, together, we raised an outstanding $26,487 during this year’s Dry July campaign.

This remarkable achievement reflects the generosity, commitment, and community spirit of everyone who took on the challenge or supported those who did. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families."

Vilma Ongsitco, Medical and Operational Support Manager, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre

Dedicated dressing trolleys play an important role in enhancing the safety, comfort, and overall experience of patients receiving chemotherapy within the Cancer Day Care Suite (CDCS).

These trolleys provide a clean, organised, and dedicated space for the preparation and safe transport of essential medical equipment and supplies, ensuring that everything required for treatment is readily available at the point of care.

For patients, this means less disruption, reduced waiting times, and a smoother, more reassuring treatment journey. The structured use of dressing trolleys also supports strict infection prevention practices, which is especially vital for individuals with compromised immune systems.

By enabling nurses to deliver care efficiently and safely at the bedside or treatment chair, these trolleys contribute to a more comfortable and dignified experience for patients.

We are deeply grateful to the Dry July Foundation and funds raised by participants in the 2025 Dry July Campaign that have made this initiative possible, helping us to continue delivering safe, high-quality, and patient-centred care.

We are proud to acknowledge that this essential equipment has been made possible through funds raised in the Dry July 2025 Campaign, reflecting a shared commitment to improving patient safety, comfort, and the efficiency of care delivery.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) storage plays a vital role in safeguarding our patients, particularly within the Oncology ward where individuals are often immunocompromised. Patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy are significantly more vulnerable to infections, making stringent infection prevention practices essential to their care and recovery.

The use of dedicated PPE stands supports a safer clinical environment by minimising the risk of contamination. By storing PPE off the ground and in clearly designated spaces, we reduce exposure to environmental contaminants and ensure that equipment remains clean, accessible, and ready for use at all times.

By investing in structured PPE storage solutions, we are prioritising patient safety, enhancing staff workflow, and strengthening our collective commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care.

Importantly, consistent and appropriate PPE storage reinforces our commitment to infection prevention and control practices. These stands support adherence to the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, promoting accountability, compliance, and a culture of safety across the ward.

One of our local fundraisers, Rose Fleig, is an amateur baker and a breast cancer survivor. Rose was 33 with two young boys aged 5 and 8 when she was diagnosed in October 2023.

This is Rose telling her story, in her own words.

Rose shared her experience of being diagnosed with Breast Cancer as a young mother with two small boys at home. “When I was going through treatment, my son would write notes, ‘I hope you get rest, Mama."

 “Looking at the big cherry blossom display on the ceiling of the radiation room funded by Dry July made my experience so much better than looking at a white ceiling,” Rose said. "I was told the centre had bought that display as well as the lovely new robes we wore during radiation treatment with the Dry July funds from last year."

Rose’s baking was featured at the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Dry July Campaign cake stall in 2025. Finally, Rose highlighted how important these funds are, "If I can raise money to help them do something to make the experience a bit more comfortable with other people going through treatment, then I definitely want to do something."