There’s never been a more important time to ‘Go Dry’ in July for blood cancer patients!

Wednesday May 5, 2021

The Leukaemia Foundation is thrilled to share that it will once again be a charity beneficiary of the Dry July Foundation for the fourth year in 2021. Funds raised through Dry July will go towards supporting the vital work of our Blood Cancer Support Coordinators across Australia.

With alarming new figures released earlier this year showing that blood cancers combined are now the second most diagnosed cancers in Australia, and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the country¹, there has never been a more important time for the Leukaemia Foundation’s Blood Cancer Support Coordinators to continue their important work.

“Every day, 47 Australians will hear the devastating words ‘you have blood cancer,’ and in 2020 alone, over 17,000 people across the country were diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood disorders²,” said Kathryn Huntley, Leukaemia Foundation General Manager – People Living with Blood Cancer.

“Sadly, these figures are set to double by 2035, meaning that the need for Blood Cancer Support Coordinators to walk alongside those Australians diagnosed with blood cancer, to ensure they have someone to turn to every step of the way, has never been greater.”

Ms Huntley said the Leukaemia Foundation’s Blood Cancer Support Coordinators provide people living with blood cancer access to information about their diagnosis, its treatment and impact, as well as support and navigation of the effects of blood cancer on families and everyday lives.

“As more people are diagnosed with blood cancer, we are seeing a significant increase in people seeking and needing our support. We are therefore deeply encouraging Australians to get behind Dry July this year, sign up and fundraise, and join the thousands of others who will be enjoying the benefits of an alcohol-free month whilst raising funds for a good cause,” she said.

Dry July has been a much-loved and well-known fundraising campaign of the Dry July Foundation since 2008. Since then, more than 250,000 Aussies have given up alcohol for the month of July and raised over $60 million for people impacted by cancer.

Dry July Foundation’s CEO Katie Evans said, “Dry July Foundation is thrilled to be working with the Leukaemia Foundation for the fourth year as a major beneficiary. We’ve been able to help countless people affected by blood cancer through Dry July fundraising, and the support of the Blood Cancer Support Coordinators this year means Australian families facing blood cancer have the help they need throughout their cancer journey.”

Blood cancer can develop in anyone, of any age and at any stage of life no matter where they live.  From children to adolescents and young adults, to working adults with families and older Australians. Sadly, there are no screening programs available to detect blood cancer and there is no way to prevent it through lifestyle change.

“By signing up to 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 a win-win,” Ms Huntley added.

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

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¹https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/summary
²https://www.leukaemia.org.au/how-we-can-help/advocacy-and-policy/state-of-the-nation/

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.

Blood cancer signs and symptoms:
Symptoms of all blood cancers can sometimes be subtle or even similar to other conditions, such as a flu. However, ongoing symptoms like recurrent infections, increased fatigue, night sweats, bone pain, bruising or enlarged lymph nodes should be immediately discussed with your GP or specialist. Early diagnosis can play a key role in surviving blood cancer, so it is crucially important that you are examined and treated properly. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with a blood cancer, reach out to the Leukaemia Foundation on 1800 620 420. Accessing our support is free of charge.