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...
Dry July fundraising helps Mummy's Wish support Mums with cancer
Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of Dry July 2020 participants, Mummy's Wish are planning to introduce Cancer Care Co-Ordinators and Care Packs to help Mums living with cancer.
- Cancer Care Co-Ordinators
Around 130,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia this year and of these cases over 5000 will be mums with young children aged 12 years and under. That means every day 13 families in Australia will have their lives turned upside down when mum is diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on many lives and communities.
- Care Packs for 1000 Mums with cancer
Packs provide comfort and support to Mums and their families and are posted to all the mums Mummy's Wish supports and include the...
Activities at ONJ Wellness Centre supported by Dry July fundraising
Your fundraising for Dry July has enabled the ONJ Centre to support the continuation of our Exercise Wellness Program, Oncology Massage, music therapy, and our vital Cancer Information and Resource service.
Every day we hear from patients who have participated in one of the programs, and their comments are always extremely positive.
Lori Crupi was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome in 2016. Lori’s Crupi’s world became one of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and weekly blood transfusions. Unfortunately, Lori’s treatment stopped being effective and she was left with one last option to save her life – a stem cell transplant. A drastic treatment where all the bone marrow cells in her body had to be destroyed and replaced with healthy donor...
Music Therapy continues at the Alfred thanks to Dry July fundraising
Your fundraising for Dry July has enabled The Alfred to continue the Music Therapy Program for cancer patients.
The Alfred Hospital has received beautiful feedback on this program and seen firsthand that it improves the patient experience, reduces anxiety and offers experiences of joy during such a stressful time.
It is so important that we give patients an outlet to cope with the many emotions they will be dealing with throughout treatment and care and Music Therapy Research shows that music can positively impact physiological responses, like blood pressure and breathing rate; and we also know that music can change how people are feeling, and even change the environment we are in.
Dry July fundraising will help the McGrath Foundation fund 8 McGrath Breast Care Nurses
Your Dry July fundraising will be helping the McGrath Foundation fund 8 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who care and support families experiencing breast cancer.
Rochelle Osgood, a McGrath Breast Care Nurse reflects on the importance of her role, “The most important thing I do for my patients and their families is be someone who can advocate for the client, provide relevant and accurate information through education and emotional support. As well as be a point of contact either at the other end of the phone or in person.”
Dry Julyers, thank you for your support in improving the lives of people affected by breast cancer.