Nepean Cancer Centre staff pledge to go dry this July for blood cancer research
Staff at the Nepean Cancer Centre are once again doing their bit for blood cancer research by participating in Dry July.
Staff at the Nepean Cancer Centre are joining in on the Dry July campaign to raise money for blood cancer research.
The 31 day long occasion annually encourages Australians to swap booze for sobriety throughout the month of July.
Medical oncologist Dr Deme Karikios said hospital staff were in a unique position as they could see the direct benefit of the money they raised during Dry July.
He said the patients were the direct beneficiaries of the campaign.
“Dry July for cancer centres like Nepean is really important. Any funding we can get to make the comfort of our patients better is always welcome,” Dr Karikios said.
“Having cancer and treatment is a difficult journey, so it is all about trying to make a little bit easier for them.”
This year the cancer centre aims to reach a target of $60,000 and after only a week in, more than $45,000 has been raised.
As well as contributing to the Dry July Foundation, the staff are running a healthy competition among themselves.
Each year the staff member who raises the most money receives the champion fundraiser trophy.
Dr Karikios will be defending the crown this year, but said the yearly challenge did not get any easier.
“It is always difficult as I enjoy my wine just as much as the next person, but I am happy to sacrifice a month of not drinking to raise some money for the people I treat,” he said.
“I have a lot of generous friends and family who will always donate and they recognise the importance of providing the donation to our patients.”
In the past the money raised has gone towards comfortable chairs for chemotherapy patients and upgrading the treatment spaces.
This year’s wish list includes a refurbishment of the blood collection room, an allied health bioimpendance machine and medical observation equipment.
The fundraising campaign was officially launched on Thursday with a barbecue and visit from Underbelly, House Husbands and Home and Away actor Les Hill.
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