Helping people affected by cancer

By partipating in Dry July, you could help raise funds for The Alfred so people like Lisa can access to patient accommodation

Lisa has three grown children and lives with her husband Shane in Mildura, a 6-hour drive from Melbourne. Her and her husband have a morning ritual to get up early and go for a walk along the beautiful Murray River. In late 2019 & early 2020 it became increasingly difficult to go for those walks.

She says, “I was just in so much pain, those morning walks became impossible.”

When physio and pilates made no difference, Lisa went to her doctor. After a series of tests and scans she received the devastating diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma – A type of blood cancer.

For her more complex care needs and treatment, Lisa needed to make the long trips to Melbourne. While so far from the comforts of home, Lisa was lucky to have access to the...

Meet the Wren family, BRICC's ambassadors for Dry July 2021

Shayne and Denise Wren have both accessed the programs on offer at Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre (BRICC) Wellness Centre during their cancer treatments. Both Shayne and Denise can not speak highly enough of the many complimentary services that are on offer to all patients. Their daughter Gabrielle is also on board, she reflects on how beneficial the Centre has been for their family during the most challenging of times.

We thank the Wren’s for their support in helping raise awareness and in turn, helping cover costs of the services on offer at the Wellness Centre that is proudly 100% funded by community.

Your fundraising has helped Choices Cancer Support Centre support people like Meg

The Alfred's Patient Accommodation and Music therapy programs to continue running this year thanks to Dry July funding!

Here at The Alfred, we’re so pleased that the Patient Accommodation Program and Music Therapy Programs will once again be running this year thanks to funds raised through Dry July!

We’d like to thank everyone who contributed, either by going dry or donating, and to encourage you all to consider joining this worthy cause again in 2021.

Here is just some of the feedback we’ve received to show what a huge difference these programs make in the lives of cancer patients treated here at The Alfred.

Patient Accommodation Program (free accommodation for regional cancer patients)

“Without the accommodation there’s little chance I’d have been able to continue treatment. Financially it took the pressure off and my father was able to come and care...

Thanks to our funding, Wollongong Hospital has been able to create bright, welcoming waiting areas

Our patients told us that that our clinical and cold feeling waiting areas only encouraged feelings of anxiety and fear about their cancer treatment. They suggested a warmer environment with softer décor and visual improvements.

We collaborated with the local Aboriginal community of Coomaditchie asking them to create a bright welcoming artwork for our patients and visitors. They created a unique piece for us with significant meaning.

The flame tree in the centre represents the Illawarra Cancer Care Centre. The petals around it in orange are all the people and the black lines leading to it are the roads people travel on to get here. The coloured circles represent the different colours of cancer. The butterflies and dragonflies represent...

Thanks to our 2020 Dry Julyers, refurbishment are about to start on Westmead's Quiet Room and Telehealth Consult Room's

Work is shortly set to start on refurbishing our quiet room, located near our clinics.

This space provides a quiet and confidential area for distressed patients and their treating team to use for counselling.

Our Telehealth room which is used for consultations to regional areas will also enjoy a make-over. Both rooms will be decorated in the same theme as our other patient areas which were refurbished from 2019 Dry July funding.

Your determination during Dry July has helped us upgrade across our Solaris centres to enrich our cancer clients’ experience

With your aid, we have managed to upgrade our patient booking system and replace the computers, screens, keyboard and mouse for our Meet and Greet volunteers to make the patient booking system more seamless. These upgrades have enabled our compassionate volunteers to book and track client appointments, therapy attendance, and communicate with clients on therapies such as massage and Bowen Therapy they would like follow-ups on.

Our aim is to help individuals with cancer, their families and carers live well. Thank you for helping us blend humanity with healthcare.

Your 2020 fundraising has given more women with breast cancer access to the ‘Return to Wellness’ Program at Mater’s Cancer Care Centre.

Developed by the Mater Breast Care team, Return to Wellness offers breast cancer patients' access to a guided exercise program with a physiotherapist and breast care nurse, and advice about their diet and lifestyle choices to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Senior Physiotherapist Oncology Services Leah McIntyre said because the classes are smaller they can help each participant reach their individual goals.

“Our exercise programs are tailored to our participants individual needs, medical status and personal goals. Cancer treatment takes its toll on the body and we are focused on helping them regain both their strength and confidence,” she said.

“This is an important part of our patient’s recovery and we are so proud to be...

Cancer Wellness Goes Virtual, Thanks To Dry July!

Many face-to-face cancer wellness programs have been unable to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic to help protect vulnerable cancer patients and their families. But the generosity of the Dry July Foundation has ensured patients can still access some of these - all from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

This funding enabled the Arts in Health service at Flinders Medical Centre to create a range of online videos and resources for patients, their carers and families including meditation and relaxation to music, art therapy, creative writing, journal making and illustration, guided art making and uplifting music.

Arts in Health at FMC Manager Sally Francis says the online resources had been tailored to meet the specific needs of...