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
Information and Support Services
Specialist Cancer Nurses
Wellness Programs
Cancer Centre Improvements
Accommodation and Transport
Comfort and Support Items
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.
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...
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.
Upgrading Lilier Lodge in Wagga Wagga
Lilier Lodge is a dedicated patient accommodation facility in Wagga Wagga. The lodge services adult cancer patients from across south-western NSW while they are undergoing cancer treatment at the Riverina Cancer Care Centre.
Operated by Cancer Council NSW and Can Assist, the lodge was purchased in 2004 and has endured high traffic over the last 10 years. Funds from Dry July 2014 went towards stage 1 of refurbishing the lodge, and stage 2 will commence shortly with funds from Dry July 2015.
Mindfulness Programs in Regional Queensland
Evidence from Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ)'s mindfulness research shows that people who receive training in mindfulness skills have less anxiety about their cancer and are better able to manage cancer related challenges. Dry July Foundation grant funding from 2015 will allow CCQ's Cancer Counselling team to deliver half day mindfulness programs to over 100 participants living in regional and rural Queensland who, due to geographical, medical or other reasons, would not have otherwise been able to access these workshops.