Fundraising for Cancer Council will help support people like Marnie
Marnie could never have predicted what 2020 had in store for her. At the beginning of the year, she was studying to become a nurse, taking classes with her dance company, and hanging out with friends.
“When I was diagnosed, it was a time in my life when I was just starting to find my feet and discover where I belonged in the world. Then it all came crashing down,” said Marnie.
In March, not only did she have to endure the shock of a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis, she had to complete treatment through all the uncertainty and disruption of COVID-19.
“No one could come in [to the hospital] with me – I think mum came to my first treatment and from there I was on my own,” said Marnie.
“It’s pretty scary because you’re going into hospital not...
Fundraising for Redkite will help people like Teah access support when they need it most
Teah spent two years away from her home undergoing treatment for her acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
At 17, Teah is now in remission and starting her life all over again - returning from hospital and getting back on her feet hasn't been easy. Teah was introduced to her Redkite social worker, Lis to help her take practical steps to rebuild her life, including setting up a bank account and working out Teah's future career path.
“If I didn’t have Lis right now, I would not know where to start. I would be staying home, not doing anything. I wouldn’t know where to start my life again, or even have that motivation to be excited to go out and try.”
Read Teah's full story here: https://www.dryjuly.com/2021/teahs-story
Your fundraising has helped Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia support people like Bruce
After Zara’s dad, Bruce, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, she saw first-hand the challenges that Aussie men experience. It inspired her to find a way to make a difference and support other men and families impacted by the disease.
Not one to do anything by halves, Zara decided to shave her long hair alongside her dad, and raised more than $22,000 for PCFA in the process.
Read Zara's full story here: https://www.dryjuly.com/2021/zaras-story
Your fundrasing has helped Leukaemia Foundation support people like Courtney
30 year old Courtney was used to living a very active lifestyle going to CrossFit, playing football and working as a prison officer before she started noticing changes to her physical health in mid-2019. Struggling to run and feeling quickly fatigued, Courtney wasn't feeling her usual self.
After a visit to the doctor followed by multiple tests, Courtney was diagnosed with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukaemia and began chemotherapy immediately.
Living in Bega, a small country town in southern New South Wales, the closest treatment facility was Canberra Hospital; a three-hour drive away from home.
During her treatment, Courtney’s family called Leukaemia Foundation's John James Village home where they were given a unit free-of-charge.
“We...
Fresh refurbishments to Andrew Love Cancer Centre's Ba-Lee lodges made possible thanks to Dry July fundraising!
Thanks to the Dry July Foundation and participants of Dry July in 2019 and 2020, the Ba-Lee Lodge have had a refurbishment, including garden and accommodation rooms.
The majority of the project has been completed with just a few finishing touches like artwork and custom seating yet to be installed, although that hasn't stopped patients who are back enjoying the refurbished space.
The Ba-Lee lodges have been a valued and much loved part of the Andrew Love Cancer Centre for over 15 years. This very important facility provides vital accommodation to Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre patients during their treatment. The impact of a cancer diagnosis is significant in the lives of these patients and their families and units provide a...
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/