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.
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.
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...
More Comfortable Chairs at Townsville Hospital
Townsville Cancer Centre has purchased new comfortable chairs for the sub-wait area outside the linac bunkers where patients wait before their treatment. Staff will now use this area for patient education during first visits.
The hospital will also be purchasing up to 4 reclining massage chairs to help ease discomfort to patients waiting for appointments with doctors or different services within the Cancer Centre, and personalised patient gowns in vibrant colours to enhance a supportive non threatening environment.
With Knowledge Comes Power at Westmead Hospital
Staff at Westmead Hospital’s Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre are the stars of two new videos designed to give newly diagnosed patients peace of mind.A film project With Knowledge Comes Power was recently unveiled in conjunction with health content specialists Tonic Health Media, and was funded by Dry July.
The films take viewers on a tour of the facility led by staff, who answer frequently asked questions by patients about to start chemotherapy and radiation therapy. “It was something all of us at the centre have been talking about doing for a long time,” Cancer Centre Medical and Network Services Manager Jenny Butler said. “Patients often tell us ‘I don’t remember being told that’ and we believe that that is because they get so much...