AGAIN DRY JULY DRAWS KATIE BACK

ONCOLOGY nurse Katie Every is preparing to take on Dry July for a seventh consecutive year, motivated by seeing exactly how funds raised can make a difference.

The mother of three will go alcohol-free next month as part of the annual Australiawide fundraiser that aims to help improve the comfort, care and wellbeing of cancer patients.

Over the years Dry July has raised $700,000 for Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre, where Ms Every has worked for 13 years.

One of the patients who inspired her to take part again is Barwon Health’s Dry July ambassador Kylie Blackney, who was diagnosed with breast cancer just months after having her third child.

Young daughter Reed was in tow throughout Ms Blackney’s recently completed chemotherapy treatment but the 38-year-old still has surgery and radiation to come.

She’s one of the more than 20,000 individual cancer patients Barwon Health cares for and treats each year, many of whom benefit from the wellbeing programs furthered by Dry July donations.

“Dry July has contributed to fantastic programs such as patients’ exercise therapy, art classes chemotherapy diaries and resources, nutrition and yoga classes,” Ms Every said.

“I encourage everyone to jump on board and sign up for Dry July or sponsor someone that is. Every donation big or small makes a difference.”

Dry July funds raised for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre will assist with carer support, a yoga instructior, edible garden beds and massage, art and exercise therapy programs.

To register or donate, visit dryjuly.com