Why is getting involved in Dry July so important?

Since 2008, Dry July has inspired more than 200,000 Aussies to go dry, raising $49 million for people affected by cancer. They have funded over 80 cancer organisations across Australia, including Northern Health, helping to purchase a scalp cooling machine and Blanket Warmer for Craigieburn Centre in 2019.

This year, Northern Health is going Dry in July to raise funds to provide care and comfort for our cancer patients at Northern Hospital Epping and Craigieburn Centre.

Kirsty’s Cancer Journey

Kirsty’s cancer journey started at Northern Health in January this year when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer after a routine colonoscopy.

She had just celebrated her 40^th birthday with a trip to Hawaii and completed her first marathon there!  She was enjoying life and taking on new challenges so when she was diagnosed with cancer she was in total shock and disbelief.

The first step in Kirsty’s fight against cancer began with surgery here at Northern Hospital Epping where she remained an inpatient for eight days.

Kirsty said, “The care I received from the nursing and medical teams during this time was amazing and I can’t thank them enough for the support I received when I needed it the most”.

Kirsty has now been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer.  With her surgeon confident he has now removed all the tumors, the next step is a six month cycle of chemotherapy treatment.

Due to COVID-19, Northern Health Cancer Services are able to provide her chemotherapy treatment at home, minimising any further risk to her health and wellbeing.

Kirsty is extremely grateful for the support and care she has received from her family and friends as well as the dedicated team who are caring for her at Northern Health.

So much so, Kirsty wants to give back by joining the Northern Health Dry July Team to help raise funds to support others affected by cancer here in the North.  Together with Kirsty, we want to raise $30,000 to invest in improving the care and comfort of our cancer patients.

Together, we can make a difference!

Click here to donate now or join our team here.

Featured picture shows Northern Health Dry July team members, Andrew Williamson, Executive Director Public Affairs and Foundation and Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director People and Culture

Kirsty and best friend Laura after the marathon in Hawaii, just prior to her cancer diagnosis.

Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director People and Culture joins Dry July: