Helping people affected by cancer

Germaine, a patient of St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, shares his journey

Dry July funds have expanded a volunteer Music & Arts Project at Bendigo Health

The Music & Arts project officially launched in February 2020, coordinating volunteer musicians to come into the hospital to play the piano or other instruments in the Cancer Centre. Now the project is expanding and is bringing creative activities to Bendigo Health’s Gobbé Wellness Centre thanks to funds received through Dry July.

The project aims to provide a calming environment for patients and help reduce anxiety during their hospital visits.

Volunteer coordinator, Sue Turpie, is excited to be Coordinator of the Bendigo Health’s Volunteer Music & Arts Project. Sue enjoyed an eclectic musical upbringing, influenced by grandparents and parents who were proficient in music ranging from the classically-trained to ‘learn by ear’....

Dry July funding helps Calvary Mater Newcastle purchase a standing weigh scale, helping to keep their patients safe

A safer weigh

The previous scales used in the Day Treatment Centre did not have a rail to hold onto and had a fairly large step up to them which was hazardous for those patients who are at risk of falling.

Marissa Ledlin, Nurse Unit Manager, Day Treatment Centre commented, “All of our patients are weighed at each visit to the department. The new scales have improved the stability of our patients when they are getting on and off the device. Staff in the Day Treatment Centre have also commented that they feel much happier knowing patients are safe from any harm.”

Thanks to Dry July funding, Bendigo Health's incredible Gobbe Wellness Centre is the new home of their cancer wellness program

The Gobbé Wellness Centre is the new home of the Cancer Wellness Program, a purposed designed space for all patients needing to take time out in a quiet nurturing environment to reflect, relax and regroup.

Check out the virtual tour of the incredible Gobbé Wellness Centre here.

Pancare continues to provide services to support their patients

By participating in Dry July and raising funds for The Royal Melbourne Hospital, you'll be helping provide support to people like Kelly

2020 will be a year Kelly O’Sullivan never forgets. COVID was running rampant all over the world, Melbourne was in lockdown and Kelly was diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Kelly was no stranger to head and neck cancer as her step father battled with the disease, but it still came as a shock. Kelly was fit, active and very social with 2 grown up children and a 4 year old who kept her on her toes. Following a dental check, a lesion was found in her inner cheek lining. After having this closely monitored for around 3 years, an epic ulcer developed in her mouth and then her tongue. Kelly’s regular specialist appointment was cancelled because of COVID but when her pain became so bad, she was ordered to come into The Royal Melbourne...

By supporting Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, you are helping to provide important comfort items to people like Terry

Terry Limnidis is a patient undergoing cancer treatment at the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead. As part Terry’s treatment for cancer he is having radiation therapy which involves lying alone in a darkened room under a treatment machine every day for the duration of treatment.

The Radiation Therapists saw a real need for providing the option to their patients of a diversion in the form of an iPad loaded with their favourite music to listen to whilst having radiation therapy. Dry July supported the start-up of the “Music in the Bunker” project and has continued to fund it for the past few years. “Being able to listen to some of my favourite music whilst in the radiation bunker really comforts me while I’m receiving my treatment....

Go Dry in July and help local cancer patients get to and from hospital for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, tests and appointments

Gold Coast Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Patient Transport Service provides an invaluable lifeline for local cancer patients like Paulette, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in 2011.

Paulette was one of the first patients to use the Foundation’s Cancer Patient Transport Service and still benefits from this crucial service today. Without the Cancer Patient Transport Service, Paulette and fellow cancer patients would worry how to travel safely and reliably to hospital and back home.

“When you’re a regular like me, it gives you independence. You can’t expect to rely on family, friends or neighbours to drive you all the time. It’s an essential service that is vital to our wellbeing,” Paulette said.

By taking part in Dry July...

By supporting St Vincent's Hospital, you'll be helping people like Souhail get support when they need it most

Souhail Imam’s cancer journey began with virtually no warning signs. In April of 2017, at 38 years old he was fulfilling his life-long dream. After years of hard work and hundreds of hours of training, he had become a successful commercial airline pilot. Then, one day out of the blue, Souhail had a seizure. A brain scan confirmed his worst fears, revealing he had a brain tumour.

Not only was his diagnosis a shock but it also meant the end of his career as a commercial pilot.

“Being a pilot had always been my childhood dream. It was very hard to be told I had cancer because it meant giving up a job I loved. At least I was able to enjoy 10 years of flying,” Souhail said.

After discovering the tumour was cancerous, his treatment plan went...