Helping people affected by cancer
Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of our Dry July participants every year, the Dry July Foundation is able to help local and national cancer support organisations across Australia deliver practical, tangible support services for people affected by cancer.
Everything we fund is to benefit cancer patients, their families and carers, aiming to make a difficult time, a little easier for people affected by cancer.
A shoulder to lean on. A comforting voice. A place to relax. This is why we Dry July.
Where the money goes
Information and Support Services
Specialist Cancer Nurses
Wellness Programs
Cancer Centre Improvements
Accommodation and Transport
Comfort and Support Items
Organisations we support
The Dry July Foundation is proud to support numerous cancer organisations across Australia.
Some of the organisations who benefit from our fundraising include:
To see the full list of cancer support organisations we fund, please click here.
Information and Resource Service at ONJCWC
People with cancer have a strong desire for information. For patients and families, information is key in understanding their diagnosis and prognosis, making treatment decisions, and accessing support services. Sometimes this information is about the cancer itself, and sometimes it is about the consequences of cancer in the family – such as how to discuss a parent’s cancer diagnosis with young children, or how to manage finances while a family member is undergoing treatment.
The cancer information service at ONJCWC works with patients and families to help them find information and resources tailored to their needs. This includes having available a broad selection of reputable written and web-based information, and other resources such as...
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Arterie
Dry July is proud to continue fundingChris O’Brien Lifehouse complementary therapy program Arterie. Arterie supports the COB LIfehouse holistic approach to cancer patient care through an innovative participatory arts program. Arterie’s mission is to improve outcomes for patients, families, carers, staff and visitors by easing the side effects of cancer and its treatment (stress, pain, fatigue, isolation and depression) as well as providing a therapeutic distraction from treatment through art engagement and participation.The program uses paints, paper and pencils alongside state-of-the-art surgical equipment and internationally-trained specialists to provide innovative patient support.
Arterie team members, otherwise known as “Arterists”,...
Brightening up Illawarra Cancer Cancer Centre
After renovations to the oncology day care unit and other areas at Illawarra Cancer Care Centre at Wollongong Hospital, new spaces felt a little too stark and clinical. Funds from Dry July have been used to install wall murals and sky ceilings in these areas to help brighten up the centre.
Dry July Foundation announces the recipients of the 2015 Grant Program
We’re delighted to announce the 26 recipients of the inaugural Dry July Foundation Grant Program. Funds have been distributed for 62 eligible projects across cancer support organisations nationwide, including the Look Good Feel Better program, state Cancer Councils and regional hospitals such as Geraldton Hospital and North West Regional Hospital, Burnie.
As an additional option to nominating a beneficiary at sign-up, in 2015, DJs were invited for the first time to fundraise for the Dry July Foundation, with money raised being allocated to the Grant Program. Nearly 5,000 DJs chose this option raising over $675,000. Cancer support organisations in their state were then invited to submit applications for eligible projects to benefit from...
Oncology Care Packs
Following chemotherapy or radiation therapy, some patients suffer from dry, red, irritated and sensitive skin which can be uncomfortable and painful. St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne has sought out and purchases a care pack to help patients hydrate, protect, soothe and care for their skin during and after treatment. Another side effect of treatment can be cold hands and feet. To combat this, we’ve included some cosy MooGoo socks to help keep warm.
Mindfulness Colouring Books
Mindfulness colouring books are they are therapeutic and have been proven to relieve anxiety. St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne has opted to use funding from Dry July to purchase booksfor cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Support for Patients at The Canberra Hospital
The Canberra Hospital has announced it will be using Dry July 2015 funds towards the harp therapy program and towards a new resource room.
Harp therapy has been shown to help cancer patients cope with the side effects of their treatment, and can provide a sense of calm to patients who may feel distressed and anxious in a busy hospital environment. The program at The Canberra Hospital is delivered by a certified harp therapist and has been funded by Dry July since 2012.
Oncology Massage Program at FCIC
The oncology massage program at the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer (FCIC) will run 2 hours a day x 5 days per week to offer free 20 minute hand and foot relaxation massages to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments. The program will be fully funded by Dry July, until at least early 2017.
Massage has been shown to help relieve anxiety and depression, and enable a patient to relax.
Flinders is one of the busiest public hospitals in South Australia, serving the southern community of Adelaide and the southern region to Mount Gambier as well as patients from Northern Territory. The FCIC Infusion Suite has 12 chairs and two bed bays delivering treatment throughout the week. The unit sees approximately 300 patients, delivering more...
Sky ceilings at Royal North Shore Hospital
Royal North Shore Hospital has been able to install sky ceilings in the radiotherapy bunkers at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre using money from Dry July.
Installing Sky Ceilings makes an intimidating medical equipment a little more welcoming. It creates a positive, patient friendly environment. The patient experience is enhanced through these surroundings; it also helps the caregiver, nurse and doctor because patients are more cooperative. Art on dropped ceiling tiles and wall murals in healthcare settings has been proven to lower blood pressure, speed up recovery times and reduce overall stress and anxiety in patients.