Helping people affected by cancer

Debbie thrives in the Return to Wellness Program

One of the programs your Dry July fundraising has supported is the 'Return to Wellness' Program at Mater 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.

Debbie (pictured) has been a Mater Volunteer for ten years working in the Mater Cancer Care Centre. However, at the beginning of this year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and joined the hospital as a patient.

After enduring treatment which Debbie has described as a "very intense experience", she is now thriving in the Return to Wellness Program...

Linda's Story

"When I got home from surgery, Fi would come to see me, check my drainage and make sure it was all good. She never left me alone, she made sure I was OK mentally, physically and had no infections. It makes you feel pretty safe, even though you're recovering at home rather than in a hospital."

When Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, she found solace in the support from her McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse, Fiona. From assisting with travel arrangements from her hometown in Cooma to treatment in Canberra, to ensuring Linda was well supported physically and emotionally throughout her cancer journey, Fiona's support has proven to be invaluable.

"Even now, Fi is always, always around. She's not just a nurse to me, she's more...

Dry July funds help the Leukaemia Foundation support families like the Andersons.

In March last year, 11-year-old Cooper was diagnosed with blood cancer. This diagnosis was nothing short of heartbreaking for both Cooper and his family. With great support and successful initial treatment, Cooper thankfully reached remission months later.

For those of you who watched our Dry July leaderboard closely last year, you might have come across Cooper's parents, Mel & Mark Anderson. As self-proclaimed fundraising novices, the pair set themselves a $1,000 goal, and by the end of July, they'd raised an incredible $30,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation - how amazing is that!

The Leukaemia Foundation is using Dry July fundraising to support their Blood Cancer Support Coordinators, who help families navigate the health system,...

Volunteer, Leah, reflects on the importance of Look Good Feel Better classes

Workshop volunteer and Dry July participant, Leah, knows how beneficial Look Good Feel Better workshops are for people living with cancer.

"I have witnessed first-hand women walking into the workshop looking so disheartened and insecure, and leaving with smiles on their faces, wanting to go home and show their loved ones what they learnt and how they feel, and knowing it's ok to smile again."

We are so proud to continue funding this program so that people can face cancer with confidence.

Find a Look Good Feel Better workshop near you, or join virtually! https://lgfb.org.au/workshop/

Dry July Foundation funds 45 projects from October Grant Round

We’re so happy to announce the recipients of Dry July Foundation funding from the 2020 October Grant Round.

We received 117 applications totaling just under $3 million. With $915,000 available, we were able to fund 45 projects across 33 organisations. Here are the successful applicants and the projects they will be delivering…

National Organisations

Leukaemia Foundation

• Leukaemia Foundation Blood Cancer Support Coordinators - additional award

- The Leukaemia Foundations (LF) Blood Cancer Support Coordinators (BCSCs) ensure support is provided to those living with blood cancer when they need it the most, no matter where they are.

Bowel Cancer Australia

• Part-funding of the Bowel Care Nurse Program

- Providing nationwide telenursing and...

Dry July funds help Redkite ensure that social workers like Jo can support young people affected by cancer

Dry Julyers, meet Jo.

As one of the incredible social workers at Redkite, Jo helps to make a difficult time, a little easier for young people affected by cancer.

“When it all feels a bit overwhelming and too much to hold, our social workers can provide that safe space for people to take a breath and hopefully feel a little lighter knowing they have all the support that Redkite provides. They are never alone while we are here,” Jo said.

Feel proud knowing that by participating in Dry July and raising funds, you've made a real difference to the lives of young people affected by cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Australia's Younger Women's Network supported thanks to Dry July fundraising

Ovarian Cancer Australia's Younger Women's Network is one of the many programs that have been made possible thanks to Dry July fundraising.

By cultivating connections through shared experiences, the program aims to ease feelings of isolation and disconnection amongst young women affected by ovarian cancer.

The online facilitated support and Information group is delivered monthly by health professionals like Fiona Mitchell (pictured), for 1.5 hours, and typically has 5-8 women in each session.

If you or someone you know is interested in the Younger Women's Network, you can find more information here: www.ovariancancer.net.au/page/127/younger-women

Blood Cancer Support Coordinator, Sheila, provides vital support for Jenny.

Jenny was first diagnosed with a long-developing blood cancer called chronic leukaemia after a routine blood test.

“I got in contact with Sheila, a Leukaemia Foundation Blood Cancer Coordinator,” explains the 57-year-old. “I needed to go where the most valid knowledge was and, if necessary, where the clinical trials were.

“Sheila was excellent at talking me through the terminology, what to expect with the treatment and what it means to have a chronic leukaemia.

Having to travel four hours from her hometown for treatment, Shelia also helped Jenny to access a patient travel subsidy scheme and find accommodation.

“You don’t know what you don’t know. Shelia was just excellent; she was in constant contact with me throughout the whole journey....

Your fundraising has helped Leukaemia Foundation support people like Siobhan

Siobhan was just 14 years old when she was first diagnosed with blood cancer in 2015.

“I was a fit, healthy teenager with a few bad bruises and a couple of bloody noses,” said the now 19-year-old. “A blood test and one phone call later and my life changed completely.”

Siobhan and her family stayed at a Leukaemia Foundation Patient Accommodation Village while she received life-saving treatment.

“My first diagnosis was really hard. I didn’t want to talk to anyone and felt so embarrassed and ashamed of my illness,” remembers Siobhan.

“I wouldn’t leave the room for anything until my mum convinced me one day to go down to see the Leukaemia Foundation support staff in the office.

“I was introduced to Maryanne, a Blood Cancer Support...