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 fund projects and programs that improve the comfort and wellbeing of people affected by cancer.
Everything we fund is to benefit cancer patients and their families and carers. We aim to make a difficult time, a little easier for those affected by cancer.
Where the money goes
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.
Garfield's story
According to long time Carnarvon resident Garfield Bissett, our Milroy Lodge in Perth is a piece of ‘heaven’.
The 67 year old who describes himself as an old ‘bushie’ from way back has been living at Milroy Lodge since April last year following a bowel cancer diagnosis. Milroy is one of two Cancer Council WA Lodges providing accommodation for country cancer patients who need to re-locate to Perth for treatment.
“You’ve got no idea what this place means to so many of us,” he said. “It’s unbelievable what the staff and volunteers do for you,” he said.
Garfield said he was particularly appreciative of the efforts of our Cancer Support Co-ordinator at the Lodge, Karen, who arranged to transport his car to Perth which he described as a ‘...
John's story
Funds raised from Dry July directly benefit many Tasmanians impacted by cancer.
Dry July funds have continued to provide safe and reliable vehicles for use in Cancer Council Tasmania’s Transport to Treatment Program (t2t) across the state, helping a large number of people get to their cancer treatment appointments each year.
One person who has seen the benefits of this service in a number of ways is volunteer driver John McClea.
When John’s wife was suffering lung cancer, he was unable to drive her to treatment due to the demands of running his small business; making it difficult for him to get away. Prior to her death from lung cancer, John’s wife utilised the t2t program to find transport to her treatment appointments.
“The service was...
John's story
We’ve helped ease the burden for country South Australians having cancer treatment.
For someone living in country South Australia, the challenge of having cancer treatment in Adelaide may be overwhelming and some may be less likely to undertake or complete treatment, than people living in the city.
Cancer Council Lodge provides these people with supportive and affordable accommodation while they are undergoing cancer treatment in Adelaide.
The Dry July Foundation supporters have proudly provided Cancer Council Lodge with over $242,200 over the past two years. This has helped to refurbish the dining rooms in both lodges with furniture and refurbished over 15 rooms.
Cancer Council Lodge has made a big difference to real people
For John and...
MIchelle's story
As a young single mum of 4 children, Michelle was not prepared for her diagnosis of breast cancer in late 2015. Fortunately her friend was aware of Cancer Council NT information and support services so Michelle was able to come and speak with one of our nurses the same day she was diagnosed.
Over the next 2 years, Michelle was able to access a number of our services and programs including our wig program, Cancer Information Group, specialist counselling and Yoga program. She was also able to tap into other community supports for both herself and her children.
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 Chris O'Brien Lifehouse
An integral part of the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse complementary therapy program, Arterie supports a 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 as well as providing a therapeutic distraction from treatment through art engagement and participation.
Dry July has helped with funding the Artist in Residence program at Arterie. The current 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...
Carterie Program at Lifehouse
Part of the complementary therapy program at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, the current Arterie 'Carterie' 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...
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...