Give up the booze for blood cancer and go Dry this July!

Wednesday, June 1 2022

Every 28 minutes – the time it takes to drink an alcoholic beverage – one Australian will be told the devastating news they have blood cancer. A further 49 people will be diagnosed that same day, and fifteen Aussies will sadly lose their life to the disease.

This July, the Leukaemia Foundation is urging Australians to give up the booze for blood cancer by signing up to Dry July to raise vital funds to support the thousands of Australians impacted by a blood cancer diagnosis every year.

This is the fifth year that the Leukaemia Foundation has partnered with the Dry July Foundation as one of its major charity beneficiaries, with funds once again going towards supporting the important work of their Blood Cancer Support Coordinators across Australia.

“Each year the number of Australians diagnosed with blood cancer sadly continues to rise with blood cancers combined now the second most diagnosed cancers in Australia and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the country[1],” said Kathryn Huntley, Leukaemia Foundation General Manager – People Living with Blood Cancer.

“There has never been a more important time for the Leukaemia Foundation’s Blood Cancer Support Coordinators to continue to support the thousands of Aussies and their loved ones, impacted by a blood cancer diagnosis.

“Whether it’s a friendly face to turn to for someone who’s newly diagnosed, information about treatment and side effects, or practical assistance with transport, accommodation, or finances, our Blood Cancer Support Coordinators provide relief and guidance at every stage of a patient’s journey.”

In 2021, the Leukaemia Foundation’s Blood Cancer Support Coordinators connected with people living with blood cancer, and their loved ones, a staggering 22,000 times through phone calls, text messages and video conferencing, supporting them through every fearful, uncertain moment.

Ms Huntley said that with the growing number of people diagnosed with blood cancer each year, the Leukaemia Foundation is seeing a significant increase in people seeking support.

“With demand for our services increasing, more funding is desperately needed to keep up with this demand. We’re urging Australians to get behind this year’s Dry July, by signing up and raising crucial funds to enable our Blood Cancer Support Coordinators to continue their vital work.”

By participating in Dry July, people will not only be supporting fellow Aussies of all ages living with blood cancer, but they’ll also be creating healthier habits for themselves such as better sleep and more energy.

“Dry July really is one of those fundraising campaigns that’s a win-win,” Ms Huntley added. “Participants will not only reap the health rewards of going alcohol-free, but they’ll also be supporting the thousands of Australians who will be diagnosed with blood cancer this year.”

Dry July has been a well-known and hugely popular campaign of the Dry July Foundation since its inception in 2008. Since then, more than 290,000 Aussies have given up alcohol for the month of July and raised over $73 million for people impacted by cancer.

Dry July Foundation’s Campaign & Fundraising Manager Ashleigh Oliver said, “Dry July Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with Leukaemia Foundation for the fifth year as a major beneficiary in our 15^th Dry July campaign. Through Dry July fundraising we’ve been able to proudly support Australian families facing blood cancer, wherever they live, by continuing to help fund vital Leukaemia Foundation Blood Cancer Support Coordinators.”

Blood cancer can develop in anyone, of any age and at any stage of life no matter where they live. Sadly, there are no screening programs available to detect blood cancer and there is no way to prevent it through lifestyle change.

To sign up to Dry July and support the Leukaemia Foundation go to www.dryjuly.com/leukaemiafoundation

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About the Leukaemia Foundation: The Leukaemia Foundation stands with Australia to help cure and conquer blood cancer – with care. Together we are attacking every blood cancer, from every direction, in every way we can. We stand beside every Australian to be their voice and their someone-to-turn to, fighting to get them access to the best care. We also accelerate research that is delivering rapid advancements in blood cancer diagnosis and treatments. Plus, we provide services and support that empower people living with any blood cancer to live well after diagnosis. You can learn more about the Leukaemia Foundation and blood cancer at leukaemia.org.au

About Dry July:

Dry July is a national fundraiser that challenges Australians to go alcohol-free for the month of July while raising funds for people affected by cancer. Run by the Dry July Foundation, funds raised through the Dry July campaign go towards cancer support organisations across Australia, to help improve patient comfort, care and wellbeing.

[1] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/summary