NORTHERN Health workers have thrown their support behind cancer charity fundraiser Dry July.
The Dry July fundraiser involves people abstaining from alcohol for the month of July each year, with friends, family and co-workers sponsoring them for their efforts.
All money donated goes towards providing services for cancer patients and their families.
Northern Health administrator Michelle Fenwick took part in Dry July this year and had raised $2700 by yesterday afternoon.
A team of Northern Health workers had collectively garnered more than $11,000 for the Dry July Foundation.
Ms Fenwick said money raised by her and the rest of the Northern Health staff would go directly towards helping patients at the Northern Hospital in Epping.
“I decided to participate in Dry July this year because I’ve been affected directly by either family or friends – some who are still here and some that I have lost,” she said.
“My beneficiary this year is Northern Health cancer services, which encompasses oncology, palliative care and hospital in the home. Raising funds for this is very important to me because it will help to raise funds for vital signs monitors and patient treatment chairs.”
Ms Fenwick said she had already exceeded her initial goal of raising $1000 and encouraged the community to support her and the rest of the Northern Health team.
“When I started, my goal was to raise $1000 and [I’m now past] $2500 so I’m not going to make a goal – we’ll just see where it ends up,” she said.
“I think it’s important for people to raise funds and sign up for Dry July because just being a part of something creates team camaraderie but it also brings awareness and then you start thinking about it.
“It’s such an easy thing to give up alcohol for a month compared to those who are going through greater struggles such as surgery, visits to oncology and undertaking extensive treatment protocols. Not to mention those who do all the hard work and find out that the first treatment or second treatment didn’t work and then commence a third treatment protocol for another month or year.
“So, 31 days is a small sacrifice for my part.”
Dry July Foundation chief executive Brett Macdonald said it was an important time for communities to support cancer patients.
“Aussies have had a really challenging first half of 2020. But what remains unchanged is that people affected by cancer still need our support,” he said.
“In fact, they need our support more than ever. We need as many people as possible to get involved with Dry July this year.
“It is clear that the Aussie spirit has not faltered during this challenging time, and it is this remarkable spirit that we are counting on to help Dry July Foundation raise these vital funds for people affected by cancer.”
People can support Ms Fenwick and the rest of the Northern Health fundraising team by visiting www.dryjuly.com/teams/team-northern-health or www.dryjuly.com
