Helping people affected by cancer

Your fundraising has helped Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia support people like Bruce

After Zara’s dad, Bruce, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, she saw first-hand the challenges that Aussie men experience. It inspired her to find a way to make a difference and support other men and families impacted by the disease.

Not one to do anything by halves, Zara decided to shave her long hair alongside her dad, and raised more than $22,000 for PCFA in the process.

Read Zara's full story here: https://www.dryjuly.com/2021/zaras-story

Your fundrasing has helped Leukaemia Foundation support people like Courtney

30 year old Courtney was used to living a very active lifestyle going to CrossFit, playing football and working as a prison officer before she started noticing changes to her physical health in mid-2019. Struggling to run and feeling quickly fatigued, Courtney wasn't feeling her usual self.

After a visit to the doctor followed by multiple tests, Courtney was diagnosed with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukaemia and began chemotherapy immediately.

Living in Bega, a small country town in southern New South Wales, the closest treatment facility was Canberra Hospital; a three-hour drive away from home.

During her treatment, Courtney’s family called Leukaemia Foundation's John James Village home where they were given a unit free-of-charge.

“We...

Fresh refurbishments to Andrew Love Cancer Centre's Ba-Lee lodges made possible thanks to Dry July fundraising!

Thanks to the Dry July Foundation and participants of Dry July in 2019 and 2020, the Ba-Lee Lodge have had a refurbishment, including garden and accommodation rooms.

The majority of the project has been completed with just a few finishing touches like artwork and custom seating yet to be installed, although that hasn't stopped patients who are back enjoying the refurbished space.

The Ba-Lee lodges have been a valued and much loved part of the Andrew Love Cancer Centre for over 15 years. This very important facility provides vital accommodation to Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre patients during their treatment. The impact of a cancer diagnosis is significant in the lives of these patients and their families and units provide a...

Debbie thrives in the Return to Wellness Program

One of the programs your Dry July fundraising has supported is the 'Return to Wellness' Program at Mater Cancer Care Centre.

Developed by the Mater Breast Care team, Return to Wellness offers breast cancer patients' access to a guided exercise program with a physiotherapist and breast care nurse, and advice about their diet and lifestyle choices to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Debbie (pictured) has been a Mater Volunteer for ten years working in the Mater Cancer Care Centre. However, at the beginning of this year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and joined the hospital as a patient.

After enduring treatment which Debbie has described as a "very intense experience", she is now thriving in the Return to Wellness Program...

Linda's Story

"When I got home from surgery, Fi would come to see me, check my drainage and make sure it was all good. She never left me alone, she made sure I was OK mentally, physically and had no infections. It makes you feel pretty safe, even though you're recovering at home rather than in a hospital."

When Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, she found solace in the support from her McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse, Fiona. From assisting with travel arrangements from her hometown in Cooma to treatment in Canberra, to ensuring Linda was well supported physically and emotionally throughout her cancer journey, Fiona's support has proven to be invaluable.

"Even now, Fi is always, always around. She's not just a nurse to me, she's more...

Dry July funds help the Leukaemia Foundation support families like the Andersons.

In March last year, 11-year-old Cooper was diagnosed with blood cancer. This diagnosis was nothing short of heartbreaking for both Cooper and his family. With great support and successful initial treatment, Cooper thankfully reached remission months later.

For those of you who watched our Dry July leaderboard closely last year, you might have come across Cooper's parents, Mel & Mark Anderson. As self-proclaimed fundraising novices, the pair set themselves a $1,000 goal, and by the end of July, they'd raised an incredible $30,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation - how amazing is that!

The Leukaemia Foundation is using Dry July fundraising to support their Blood Cancer Support Coordinators, who help families navigate the health system,...

Volunteer, Leah, reflects on the importance of Look Good Feel Better classes

Workshop volunteer and Dry July participant, Leah, knows how beneficial Look Good Feel Better workshops are for people living with cancer.

"I have witnessed first-hand women walking into the workshop looking so disheartened and insecure, and leaving with smiles on their faces, wanting to go home and show their loved ones what they learnt and how they feel, and knowing it's ok to smile again."

We are so proud to continue funding this program so that people can face cancer with confidence.

Find a Look Good Feel Better workshop near you, or join virtually! https://lgfb.org.au/workshop/

Dry July Foundation funds 45 projects from October Grant Round

We’re so happy to announce the recipients of Dry July Foundation funding from the 2020 October Grant Round.

We received 117 applications totaling just under $3 million. With $915,000 available, we were able to fund 45 projects across 33 organisations. Here are the successful applicants and the projects they will be delivering…

National Organisations

Leukaemia Foundation

• Leukaemia Foundation Blood Cancer Support Coordinators - additional award

- The Leukaemia Foundations (LF) Blood Cancer Support Coordinators (BCSCs) ensure support is provided to those living with blood cancer when they need it the most, no matter where they are.

Bowel Cancer Australia

• Part-funding of the Bowel Care Nurse Program

- Providing nationwide telenursing and...

Dry July funds help Redkite ensure that social workers like Jo can support young people affected by cancer

Dry Julyers, meet Jo.

As one of the incredible social workers at Redkite, Jo helps to make a difficult time, a little easier for young people affected by cancer.

“When it all feels a bit overwhelming and too much to hold, our social workers can provide that safe space for people to take a breath and hopefully feel a little lighter knowing they have all the support that Redkite provides. They are never alone while we are here,” Jo said.

Feel proud knowing that by participating in Dry July and raising funds, you've made a real difference to the lives of young people affected by cancer.