Between bushfires, floods and COVID-19, it has been a tough year for the Central Coast. For those in our community living with a cancer diagnosis, keeping spirits high has been particularly important.
The Central Coast Local Health District’s (CCLHD) CoastCanCare wellness program plays a critical role in helping local adults with cancer, their carers and families, to feel less stressed and anxious and more supported and connected during a difficult period in their lives.
CoastCanCare Wellness Program coordinator Tia Covi is encouraging Central Coast residents to get behind the program by registering individually or in groups for Dry July, which kicks off next week.
“CoastCanCare has been a beneficiary of the annual Dry July campaign for the last eight years and we are really hoping the community will get behind us again,” Ms Covi said.
The program provides local adults living with cancer free access to supportive and complementary therapies such as music, art, exercise and tai chi classes, and focuses on stress and pain management as well as offering practical advice such as legal and financial services workshops.
“The program is designed to give people the techniques, tools, strategies and support to keep their life on track, at diagnosis and during and after cancer treatment. There is a strong focus on the importance of self-care, relaxation, mindfulness, support and connectedness; which is particularly important in these uncertain times. We have had participants tell us the program is the one thing that keeps them going – the difference it makes in their lives is remarkable,” Ms Covi said.
Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 restrictions, CoastCanCare has continued to support local cancer patients throughout the pandemic.
“It’s been so important to stay close to our patients during this time. We’ve stayed connected by holding exercise, meditation and drumming sessions through online platforms and by initiating weekly e-communications with tips and strategies on how to stay well. It’s allowed us to keep our CoastCanCare community strong, and also to identify who is doing well and who might need some extra support,” Ms Covi said.
“Our patients have been so grateful for the support. We in turn are extremely thankful to everyone in our community who gets behind Dry July each year to help keep our program available to local cancer patients who really need it,” she said.
Visit https https://www.dryjuly.com/beneficiaries/centralcoastlhd-coastcancare to sign up or donate.
ABOUT DRY JULY
Dry July is a national fundraiser with a local focus that encourages you to go alcohol-free in July to raise funds for adults affected by cancer.
Having a month off alcohol also has great health benefits, such as sleeping better and having more energy. So you’re not only helping others, you will be helping yourself.
HOW TO GO DRY
Registrations are now open. To sign up for the challenge, or to simply make a donation, visit https://www.dryjuly.com/beneficiaries/centralcoastlhd-coastcancare
Make sure you nominate Central Coast LHD – CoastCanCare as your beneficiary to ensure your fundraising dollar stays on the Coast.