Helping people affected by cancer

Thanks to Dry July Foundation funding, the Lifehouse LivingRoom is able to offer a range of evidence-based complementary therapies

The Lifehouse LivingRoom is the home of Supportive Cancer Care and Integrative Medicine at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown, Sydney. Over the last few years, Dry July has been an integral part in funding our Lifehouse LivingRoom in our patient complementary therapies.

Kim Kerin-Ayres, one of our Livingroom Care Coordinators who works closely with our patients says “I think cancer can be really disempowering, so helping people regain some sense of control is probably one of the most important things we try to do. We integrate into their treatment regimen some of the therapies that are going to be helpful for them in the long run, or help keep them well. For some people, it's about managing their symptoms. For others it's about...

Thank you for supporting therapeutic music for the wellbeing of patients during their cancer treatment at Canberra Cancer Centre

Evidence based research has shown that music as a complementary modality is not only good for our health but can promote feelings of wellbeing. Music can provide a variety of touchstones for social, physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological health.

The harp has been used since ancient times to soothe, comfort and support people. And, thanks to your support in 2020, that is exactly what the Therapeutic Harp Program does for patients at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre

Therapeutic harpist, Alison gently plays her harp at the bedside of patients and more broadly throughout the shared spaces of the Canberra Region Cancer Centre. Through her harp, Alison is able to;

• Cultivate and promote a quiet space where sleep and deep rest can...

Your support has brought floral arrangements to the reception desks and waiting areas throughout the Canberra Region Cancer Centre

Thank you for bringing pops of colour and moments of brightness to patients.

The beautiful arrangements may seem like a small touch, but sometimes it really is the little things that make a big difference.

One patient remarked that the flowers were so lovely and helped to put a smile on her face, even if just for a few moments. Knowing they were made possible because of you, our Dry July supporters, made the flowers feel even more special to the patient.

The Gobbe Wellness Centre is now open to patients thanks to funding received from the Dry July Foundation

The centre is named in honour of the Gobbé family for their significant contribution to health services in our region.

The historic building provides a place for all patients, carers and their families to take time out to reflect, relax and regroup.

Along with the space, a dedicated Cancer Wellness Coordinator oversees a timetable of activities, such as oncology massage, yoga classes, music and art therapy and mindfulness sessions. These assist in improving the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of patients, carers and their families.

In the Centre is a library of wellness resources, a sleeping pod for people attending appointments and a kitchen that people can drop in for a cuppa.

Fundraising for Solaris will help support people like Margaret

I am a cancer patient survivor. I was diagnosed with stage one grade three aggressive cancer on April 21, 2020, right at the time of the COVID lockdown.

During my chemotherapy treatments, I was feeling very disconnected from the people and things I love. Music and singing being one of them.

Solaris offered me the opportunity to feel safe during that compromised immune time. It was a time when I also had lots of questions about “Why me?” but did not want to feel sorry for myself. I just wanted to get my big girl knickers on and kept moving forward towards a healthy me.

I first came to Sing for Joy – Solaris’s weekly musical choir – and I have to say how much it pushed me from my comfort zone. I got lost on the way, I was late. As I...

Fundraising for Pancare will help people like Keon access practical support when they need it most

When Keon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 39, he turned to the Pancare Foundation for help.

Through Pancare’s PanSupport program, Keon was able to receive dedicated support, resources and the opportunity to connect with others to understand more about his diagnosis, treatment options and other practical ways to help him navigate living with cancer.

“Pancare Foundation have been a great source of support during my treatment with pancreatic cancer. Through their PanSupport program, I’ve had access to their Specialist Cancer Nurse, Shannon, who has helped me access treatment options and kept me motivated and determined to beat this disease. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend support groups and connect with others...

Diana's Story

“My sister Sarah was 34 and a new mum when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and 35 when it took her life. She experienced three weeks of stomach pains before she was given a terminal diagnosis and 18 months to live. She started treatment immediately and lost her battle 10.5 months later.

Sadly, her story is not unique. The rates of bowel cancer in adults under 50 have been rising, and young-onset patients are more likely to be diagnosed in Stage 3 or 4 when the disease is harder to treat.

My family has always been very close and losing Sarah to bowel cancer was absolutely devastating for us. It had a huge impact on my life. At 29 I gave up a job, ended a relationship, and moved states to help care for Sarah and her daughter, Eliza,...

Thanks to the Dry July Foundation’s support, BCA can put more people affected by bowel cancer in touch with a Bowel Care Nurse

“The Bowel Cancer Australia team have been an integral part of my journey and have had such a positive impact on my treatment pathway.” ~ Makala (diagnosed at 32).

Bowel Cancer Australia is committed to supporting individuals and their families through all stages of their journey. Working hard to ensure ongoing awareness and support following a bowel cancer diagnosis.

Despite being the third most diagnosed cancer, bowel cancer patients don’t receive the same level of support as other common cancers.

Described as a 'lifeline' by patients and their loved ones, Bowel Cancer Australia’s telenursing service is addressing this gap, enabling equity of access to personalised care and tailored support nationwide.

Since 2010, Bowel Cancer Australia...

Bowel Cancer Australia is able to extend their Bowel Cancer Stories, providing much needed support for people affected by bowel cancer

Bowel Cancer Australia is committed to supporting individuals and their families through all stages of their journey, working hard to ensure every bowel cancer patient receives the support they need.

Talking to and reading about the experiences of another person who has been through bowel cancer, or who is going through a similar situation, can be enormously valuable and reassuring.

A key element of Bowel Cancer Australia’s Peer-to-Peer Support Network and dynamic awareness campaigns is the writing and sharing of one’s personal story.

Not only are there proven benefits to emotional wellbeing in taking the time to write about your experiences, reading about the experience of others can also be incredibly beneficial. Assisting patients...