Go Dry this July to support Australians living with blood cancer
Thursday, July 1 2023
Every day, 53 Australians will hear the devastating words ‘you have blood cancer’ and sadly 18 people will lose their life to the disease. This July, the Leukaemia Foundation is encouraging people to go alcohol-free and give Australians with blood cancer the life-changing support they need.
This is the sixth year that the Leukaemia Foundation has partnered with the Dry July Foundation as one of its major beneficiaries, with funds going to support the life-changing work of the Leukaemia Foundation’s Blood Cancer Support Coordinators, who provide critical support services to people with blood cancer.
“Going Dry in July will help many more Australians connect with a professional support team who can guide and support them through the emotional, physical and financial challenges of blood cancer,” said Kathryn Huntley, Leukaemia Foundation General Manager – People Living with Blood Cancer.
“These highly skilled professionals support people impacted by blood cancer at every stage, from the initial shock of a diagnosis, through to treatment, and far beyond. Our Blood Cancer Support Coordinators also connect people with vital practical services like transport, accommodation, and financial support, so they can focus on the most important thing: getting better.”
In 2022, the Leukaemia Foundation’s Blood Cancer Support Coordinators connected with people living with blood cancer, and their loved ones, a staggering 26,000 times over the phone, online and in person. That’s 26,000 times someone could take a breath, knowing they had someone who understood by their side to help. But the burden of blood cancer in our communities continues to grow – and so does the demand on our services.
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.
“More than 19,000 Australians will experience the pain of a blood cancer diagnosis this year alone – and that number is set to nearly double by 2035. 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 reap the health benefits such as sleeping better, having more energy and of course, no hangovers!
“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 giving Australians diagnosed with blood cancer the support they need to get through the toughest of times.”
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 317,000 Aussies have given up alcohol for the month of July and raised over $82 million for people impacted by cancer.
Dry July Foundation’s CEO Katie Evans said, “Dry July Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with Leukaemia Foundation for the sixth year as a major beneficiary in our 15th Dry July campaign. Through Dry July fundraising we’ve been able to ensure patients can turn to a Blood Cancer Support Coordinator for care and support to tackle the many challenges that blood cancer can bring.”
Blood cancer is among the most prevalent and deadly cancers in Australia, and 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 has been named Australia’s most reputable cancer charity and third most reputable charity overall. We stand 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.