How We Help

Thank You from Cancer Council Tasmania

Support Services staff use tablet technology to assist with the provision of services, however with only 2 tablets available, the capacity to provide this support has been limited. Tablets purchased with Dry July funds have allowed staff to assist clients with better access to the electronic wig library, Cancer Council websites, and webinars.

Pictured: CCT Support Officer Karen Rogers and Director of Cancer Prevention and Support Services Raylene Cox with the new iPads funded by Dry July

Telehealth for Palliative Patients in the Midwest

The palliative care unit at Geraldton Hospital purchased a VC telehealth unit using Dry July funds. Due to the distance that the Midwest region covers we can now book patients to see the palliative care consultant who can view and communicate with patients, palliative care nurses, and plan and implement care changes with the patient in the comfort of their own home.

Our region covers a distance of 605,000 square kilometre, so for patients receiving palliative care this unit makes a huge difference.

Thank you very much this has been a great purchase and resource.

Herbal Tea

St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne used a portion of funds from Dry July 2015 to purchase complimentary Tea Drop Pyramid Tea for patients to enjoy.

The herbal tea helps with relaxation.

Wig Library

Royal North Shore Hospital uses Dry July funding towards replenishing it's free Wig Library. The Wig Library is situated within the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre as part of the Cansupport Program. Patients are provided with a personalised wig fitting either by dropping in or by appointment.

The service is an important part of the support program provided by Cansupport and assists patients in managing hair loss associated with treatment. The service is mainly used by women; however, there is increasing demand from men.

Cansupport staff and volunteers provide the service which includes education on wearing the wig, care of it as well as emotional support. A range of turbans and other headwear is available also. These are kindly donated by...

Music Therapy at Mater

Hearing the words “you’ve got cancer” – how music therapy is helping people like Cheryl*

It’s a sad fact that today in Queensland, up to 70 people and their families will be completely blindsided by a cancer diagnosis.

Following a cancer diagnosis, patients will normally undergo a series of medical treatments. They will attend multiple doctors’ appointments and undergo regular scans, blood tests and other examinations. Inevitably, these people will also experience the darker side of cancer—a great deal of fear, uncertainty and emotional distress.

But not all cancer treatments need to be difficult or frightening all the time.

Mater’s music therapy program relies on funding from supporters like Dry July, and provides patients with a chance...

Ward 5A MAAZ Waiting Room Refurbishment

Marissa Ledlin, NUM Ward 5A / Medical Assessment & Admission Zone at Calvary Mater Newcastle, expressed gratitude to Dry July supporters, saying:

“The funds donated through Dry July have allowed us to breathe ‘new life’ into our ward’s waiting room. Before this renovation, our patients’ friends and family lacked a comfortable place to sit and rest or for discussions with staff to take place. The room was tired, old and not very functional.

“However, thanks to Dry Julyers we now have a lovely new room that flows with the rest of the unit. I have received many comments from our visitors on what a nice, relaxing and comfortable space it has been transformed into. It meets our visitors’ needs perfectly and we are so grateful this...

Transport to Treatment for Peel and Rockingham Patients

Peel and Rockingham cancer patients can now get to treatment more easily with Cancer Council WA launching a dedicated transport service in March.

Operating from Cancer Council WA’s Mandurah and Rockingham offices, the service provides safe, convenient and comfortable transport for patients undergoing radiotherapy at Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Elaine Young, Cancer Support Coordinator for Peel, said the service will alleviate stress for patients who normally have to drive to and from treatment.

“Driving long distances in heavy traffic can cause unnecessary stress and discomfort,” said Ms Young.

“Our new transport service will allow cancer patients to relax before and after treatment so they can focus on getting better.

“It also takes the burden...

Reflected Legacy Palliative Care Program at Liverpool Hospital

Dry July is thrilled to be able to support ‘Reflected Legacy’, a ground breaking arts and health program at Liverpool Hospital. This program received funding from Dry July’s 2015 Grant Program.

Lead by visual artist Flutter Lyon, this project complements the holistic care of cancer patients in palliative care, while enhancing and changing the physical environment for patients, families and staff on the ward.

How the Program Works

Flutter Lyon hosts Pressing Sessions in patient rooms; profound, interactive experiences between the artist and the patient that combine storytelling and art making. Through a series of questions and storytelling exercises Flutter captures the life stories of people in the last days and weeks of their life in...

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.

• 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...