Helping people affected by cancer

Entertainment Trolley for Young Adult Patients

Canberra Region Cancer Centre loaded up a trolley with an Xbox, TV, Music dock, headphones, ipad and various games for use on the Xbox, using donations from Dry July.

Young people (aged 15-25) treated for cancer within Canberra Hospital are treated in adult settings – outpatient radiation and chemotherapy clinics and the inpatient ward (14B). There is no dedicated space for them or entertainment relevant to their interests.

The entertainment trolley is managed by the AYA Cancer Specialist Nurse and provided to patients in the cancer outpatient clinics, ward 14B and various wards around the hospital where young patients might be admitted.

I get excellent feedback from patients who have used the entertainment trolley. Often times these...

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 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...

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

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...