Surge of support as Dry July kicks off at Westmead Hospital
Dry July has started with a huge surge of support at the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) as fundraising passes the initial goal of $3,000.
The Westmead cancer centre treats adults with a range of cancers from across Western Sydney.
Dry July is a fundraiser that raises money to make life better cancer patients, their families and carer.
Despite the CPMCC initially setting a fundraising target of $3,000, the team has raised the bar as their goal was reached before the first of July.
Fundraising efforts are collective, but crucial to this total is Nurse Unit Manager Jessie Kibaara.
Jessie has contributed more than $2900 for the cause, and aims to keep the tally rising.
Jessie is giving up her gin and tonic for the month.
“We've had lots of friends and families getting diagnosed with cancer recently, so it's hitting closer to home,” Jessie said.
To her, it’s less about the drink and more a sign of empathising with the journey patients go through.
“We are privileged that we're able to get up every single day, and do whatever we want whereas there are people out there who can't because they're impacted by cancer,” Jessie said.
As a nurse in colorectal, upper GI ward, she is often caring for patients who are recovering from cancer surgery in their liver or pancreas.
She’s raising money because she sees the impact not only on the patients, but their families.
“You get to know the patients, see how it impacts them, how it impacts their family, and some of them have young kids,” Jessie said.
She is among those across Westmead Hospital who are donating funds, time or effort to the fundraising drive to improve care and comfort for our patients.
“If we can help relieve the burden on families when they're out of hospital or when they're going through their treatments, that'll be great,” Jessie said.
The fundraising morning tea to start the month, organised by Medical and Operational Support Manager, Vilma Ongsitco, raised an additional $2,367.00 on the morning.
Cupcakes, biscuits and macarons filled the table by the dozen, contributed by former patients and amateur baker extraordinaire, Rose Fleig.
Rose is a former patient of the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 33. Last year she wrote about why it was important to share her journey and give back to the centre.
Back for another year, she’s determined to help others. If you can donate to the cause, head to Dry July: Westmead Hospital - The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre - Dry July.