September 1, 2020This July, staff and community members joined together to take part in Dry July in support of cancer services at Northern Health, a national fundraiser that encourages participants to go alcohol-free during the month of July.
Congratulations to the amazing team for their efforts, who raised over $12,500 for our cancer patients. All funds raised by Northern Health will go towards purchasing vital signs monitors and patient treatment chairs for our oncology units. The team proved that no matter how uncertain and challenging times can be, our staff and community continue to work together to support our patients. Eighteen Northern Health staff members joined the team, along with two community members who are extremely grateful for the care provided by our dedicated cancer services team.
One community member, Bianca, joined the team in honour of her father who lost his battle with cancer last month. “I joined the Northern Health team as the staff in both the oncology and palliative care teams provided outstanding care for my father, doing their jobs in a way that was accurate, gracious and empowered my family to feel relevant in the health care process.”
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank all health care staff who dedicate their careers to the fight against this insidious disease,” she said.
Bianca raised over $1,000, which will be contributed to the total of the Northern Health team.
Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture (pictured below) raised an impressive $2,823 from 22 individual donations. “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,” Michelle said.
“So many people are going through struggles such as surgeries, visiting oncology and undertaking extensive treatment protocols – so 31 days is a small sacrifice from my part for what they actually have to endure.”
In 2019, Northern Health received support from the Dry July Foundation for part funding of a scalp cooling machine and blanket warmer for our Day Oncology Unit at Craigieburn Centre, to provide care and comfort to patients undergoing treatment. Throughout our Dry July campaign, over 240 donations from individuals were made to the Northern Health team. In total, Dry July raised in excess of $10.7m. Over 100 teams registered, and Northern Health came 22nd on the leader board – a massive effort for our first year participating, so congratulations to everyone involved!
Featured Image: Northern Health patient, Kirsty, who participated in Dry July
