How We Help
When you're diagnosed with cancer, it's hard to find the time or energy to think about anything other than treating the cancer. Dry July raises money to ease that burden, reduce stress and add a bit of comfort for those affected by cancer.
Everything we fund is to benefit the cancer patient and their families and carers. We aim to make a difficult time, a little easier for those affected by cancer.
To see the full list of cancer support organisations we fund, please click here.
Susan's Story
Meet Susan Hale – a vibrant, bubbly 72 year old with an irresistible smile and laugh who lives life to the fullest.
Just 12 months ago, Sue was diagnosed with lung, liver and bone cancer with a prognosis of just three to six months. Determined to win the fight for as long as she can, Sue with the wonderful support of her husband of 51 years, Barry, has ticked most items off her bucket list and held a birthday event last November for all her three children, eight grandchildren and many friends. Sue is determined to make a holiday with friends in September followed by a family wedding in February.
“It was a blur being diagnosed and it blindsided my family and I. But the staff and volunteers here at Blacktown have made the process easier...
Linda's Story
I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, daughter in law, and friend.
Before cancer, my life revolved around friends and family.
My family is incredible. My husband and children are my rock. My husband has his own business and works so hard at this.
I’m incredibly proud of my two sons. My eldest is in his 3rd year of university, he is very clever; he is studying Construction Management at UWS, and has a cadetship with a building company. And my youngest is in his final year (Year 12) at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield; I’m very much looking forward to seeing him graduate.
It was nine and a half years ago that I was first diagnosed with cancer. I was totally devastated, shocked and took it very hard.
I underwent a lumpectomy and six forms...
Artist in Residence at Lifehouse
The program consists of the following:
9 Day residency over 3 weeks making a variety of art forms
• August 2016 - Mary Burgess Weaver - ‘The Joy of Silk’
• October 2016 - Penelope McKweown + Annabel Mason, Sculptors,
‘The Happenstance Journey’
• December 2016 - Michael Bogle - Book binding
• February 2017 Lynne Sung - Paper artist ‘The Reef’
• April 2017 Helen Gauchat - Painter - Landscape acrylic painting
• June 2017 - Ro Murray
• AIR sit in the foyer of Lifehouse - its a high public and traffic area -
with a performative nature of the art process. Most artists work
slower than they imagine end work in their own time on the project
that in most instances is gifted to the hospital.
Carterie Program at Lifehouse
The program consists of the following:
• Mobile Art and Craft studio - Delivered Tuesday Wednesday Thursday to wards
and waiting areas. Each day between 1-5 Carteries are in use (volunteer
dependent)
• Arterie provides approx 45 volunteers per month to the Lifehouse Program
• All Carterists are trained artists - with formal qualifications in art, design, art
therapy, social science etc.
• Various art and craft packages are on board the cart and prepared by volunteer
‘pit-crew’
• Projects vary from traditional textile crafts such as embroidery and knitting to
collage, colouring-in and assemblage
• All members of the Lifehouse community from patients, staff, volunteers and
carers are welcome to participate.
• Projects are often installed in...
Megan's Story
Megan Barker remembers well the moment she was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at the age of 43 years.
With her husband working away in Cape York and two children aged 14 and 11 it was very important for Megan that she was able to undergo her treatment at the Liz Plummer Centre at Cairns Hospital. Previously patients have had to travel south to Townsville and Brisbane for their treatment.
“I have had 7 months of chemo, 12 months of targeted treatment and 6 weeks of radiation so I feel very fortunate that I was able to have all my treatment locally at this amazing centre. Everything is in the one spot and it is gold standard all the way”.
Dry July has donated over a hundred thousand dollars to Cancer services in Far North Queensland...
Your impact on Cancer care at Mater
Thanks to your support through Dry July’s generous donation, Mater has been able to provide the very best in comprehensive and integrated healthcare for people living with cancer.
You have enabled Mater to provide a specialised Music Therapy Program for some of the 5900 people who come to Mater for cancer treatment each year.
Mater Cancer Care Music Therapy Program :A reality thanks to Dry July’s gift.
It has only been with your wonderful support that Mater was able to introduce a brand new Music Therapy Program to the Mater Cancer Care Centre in 2015. The program, which involves one on one sessions between patients and therapists, was hugely successful in the first year, being well received by patients, families and staff alike.
Music...
Wellness Centre furnished by Dry July at Burnie Hospital
Dry July funding has delivered a comfortable environment for patients and their supporters attending the new Wellness Centre at Burnie Hospital.
Scott supports Andrew Love Cancer Centre
Dry July has provided funding toward the upgrade to the centre. Scott, a brain cancer survivor endorses the centre:
“The clinicians and support staff at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre have all been great. Their support has helped me get through a very tough time. They are always checking in on me and making sure my treatment is going well. This redevelopment will make a big difference to patients just like me, but also all the staff there.”
Scott is currently undergoing 12 months of chemotherapy through the Andrew Love Cancer Centre and has regular meetings and appointments with support staff clinicians, including Professor David Ashley.
“My focus right now is on my health for the sake of my family, and I'm confident I can keep fighting...
Thanks to Dry July for cancer patient transport
The Gold Coast Hospital Foundation have put Dry July funds towards their cancer patient transport service.
This service helps hundreds of patients get to and from their home to hospital for cancer treatment.
Making more than 10,000 trips every year, this service is vital for cancer patients who live alone, have no family or friends to assist them, or cannot travel by themselves as their exhausting cancer treatment takes its physical and emotional toll.