Transport to Treatment Service in Tamworth
A transport to treatment service is now available to guests staying at Inala House in Tamworth, and will also soon begin transporting patients who live within a 100km radius of North West Cancer Centre. The service is currently supported by 6 volunteers drivers and the vehicle (pictured below with the iconic Tamworth Golden Guitar) was purchased using funds from Dry July.
The first 2 clients (pictured here) for the new service were:- Sharon from Moree who stayed at Inala House for 6 weeks and was transported to and from treatment each day as well as to weekly shopping trips or any other necessary appointments while she stayed in Tamworth
- Alan from Inverell who also stayed for about 5-6 weeks and was transported to and from treatment and...
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”,...
Oncology Meditation Group at Calvary Mater Hospital
“The Oncology Meditation Group runs weekly for patients and their carers, helping to provide opportunities and support to learn and practice meditation techniques. Our members are often asking about ways they can continue with their practice outside of the group.
In response to this Dry July funds have provided us with an expansion of our resources to include a library of meditation CD’s and books for members to borrow so they can continue with their practice at home. Funding was also provided for a display cabinet to hold our existing and new resources, enabling easy access for both our members and therapists running the group.
The resources have been well received with members borrowing each week. We are very grateful to Dry Julyers and...
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.