Westmead Hospital - The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre

"As most of you will know this time last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer thanks to a regular mammogram. Then ensued what can only be described as a wild old ride …... Diagnosis, COVID, Shingles, Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy and the awful discovery that I had a lot of white hair just waiting for an excuse to come forth!

I was fortunate to receive exceptional care from the dedicated staff at the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) throughout my treatment.

This is me at my last treatment session in January. Can you tell how happy I was? And I was even happier to hand back the lovely gown!!!! Thank you for your support, and don’t forget to book that mammogram! Early detection can save your life."

Linda is wearing a patient gown funded by the Dry July campaign.

Through CPMMC participation in Dry July, we managed to fund several projects within the service including.

• Renovations and refurbishment of all outpatients waiting areas within CPMCC, including replacement of all the chairs within the clinic consult rooms

• Installation of sky ceiling in Radiation Oncology. The project helps patients to look up at the backlit panels that feature various outdoor scenes, creating the illusion they are looking through the ceiling to the sky or into the ocean

• Replacement of all chemotherapy chairs at the centre,

• Purchased 2 iPads with adjustable stands and speakers to help culturally and linguistically diverse cancer patients attending the day care clinic to communicate with interpreters via video link to better understand their complex treatments for Westmead Day Suite Cancer Care.

• Creation and printing of psycho-oncology brochures,

• Installation of art works within Westmead Cancer Service

• Provision of flowers and music within the centre to create a welcoming environment,

• Purchased iPads to provide music in bunkers for our patients whilst receiving their daily treatment to reduce anxiety,

• Provision of physiotherapy weights for cancer related exercise routines,

• New patient treatment gowns

• Purchased of patient monitoring system

• Purchased of tower fan

“I won't lie, I have moments where I've broken down, and I've cried. I want to give up at times. But it's the people around me who are cheering me on and telling me ‘You can do this. You're very strong. You've come so far.’”

Sok Whyte is a Clinical Nurse Educator at WSLHD who was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in February 2022. She received treatment at Westmead Hospital, where she works.

“Having the services at Westmead Hospital and working here has been a true blessing. The moment that I saw the doctor, I knew I was in really good hands.”

Sok has volunteered to participate in CPMCC Dry July campaign and encourages you to support the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) team at Westmead Hospital, who are raising a non-alcoholic glass for Dry July to raise funds to support cancer patients, their families, and carers during their challenging journey.

Your donation can make a world of difference, providing essential services and support to those affected by cancer. From lifts to life-saving appointments and guidance from specialist nurses to therapy programs and comfortable accommodation close to treatment, every contribution counts.

We're excited to announce that the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital will be able to fund the following thanks to Dry July 2023 fundraising:

• The purchase of iPads to provide music in bunkers for our patients. Allowing patients to select their own music, helps to reduce anxiety and take their mind off the daily treatment

• Renovations and refurbishment of all outpatient waiting areas

• Replacement of all chemotherapy chairs at the centre

• Installation of artworks

• Purchase of dumbells for the Westmead Hospital X-men 8-week prostate cancer recovery physiotherapy program

• Video interpreting solutions for Westmead Day Suite (Cancer care) to assist linguistically diverse cancer patients with communication to better understand their complex treatments

• New patient treatment gowns

• Floral arrangements in the main reception

Cancer patient’s positive spirit encourages support for Dry July in western Sydney – “I owe them my life”

Western Sydney Local Health District patient, 78-year-old, Diana, was first diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in March this year and underwent a mastectomy.

She was treated at The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) at Westmead Hospital and thankfully hasn’t had any problems since her radiation treatment.

The grandmother is sharing her story to encourage as many people as possible to donate to Dry July which provides funding for support services and equipment to improve the experience of cancer patients, their families and carers – and – funds go direct into the CPMCC!

What’s interesting about this patient’s story is her outlook on her situation.

Diana said “You can get through anything in life if you’re positive. I’ve been positive from the very beginning”.

I get more emotional about children or young mums with cancer. That hurts me more than I hurt myself. I’ve lived a good life”.

Diana is thankful for her time at the CPMCC and encourages donations for Dry July to the centre saying, “it was fantastic from the time I walked into the front door until I finished my treatment”.

“The staff were very efficient and also incredibly bright and happy so maybe that’s what made me feel good although my husband says I’m just happy because of him (laughs)”.

“The dedication to me was outstanding and I feel I owe them a lot. I owe them my life. To raise money for their services would be absolutely wonderful”.

Dry July is a fundraiser that encourages you to go alcohol-free in July to raise funds for people affected by cancer.

The funds raised provide invaluable services to the CPMCC – whether it’s a lift to a life-saving appointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, connection to an informative voice, access to therapy programs or a bed close to treatment.