Cancer patient’s positive spirit encourages support for Dry July in western Sydney – “I owe them my life”
Western Sydney Local Health District patient, 78-year-old, Diana Mifsud, was first diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in March this year and underwent a mastectomy.
She was treated at The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) at Westmead Hospital and thankfully hasn’t had any problems since her radiation treatment.
The grandmother is sharing her story to encourage as many people as possible to donate to Dry July which provides funding for support services and equipment to improve the experience of cancer patients, their families and carers – and – funds go direct into the CPMCC!
What’s interesting about this patient’s story is her outlook on her situation.
Diana said “You can get through anything in life if you’re positive. I’ve been positive from the very beginning”.
I get more emotional about children or young mums with cancer. That hurts me more than I hurt myself. I’ve lived a good life”.
Diana Mifsud
Diana is thankful for her time at the CPMCC and encourages donations for Dry July to the centre saying, “it was fantastic from the time I walked into the front door until I finished my treatment”.
“The staff were very efficient and also incredibly bright and happy so maybe that’s what made me feel good although my husband says I’m just happy because of him (laughs)”.
“The dedication to me was outstanding and I feel I owe them a lot. I owe them my life. To raise money for their services would be absolutely wonderful”.
Dry July is a fundraiser that encourages you to go alcohol-free in July to raise funds for people affected by cancer.
The funds raised provide invaluable services to the CPMCC – whether it’s a lift to a life-saving appointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, connection to an informative voice, access to therapy programs or a bed close to treatment.
For example in 2021 funding from Dry July went towards these items below at the CPMCC and more projects are being planned for 2022:
- Seating in Clinic Consult Rooms
- Digital Flipbooks
- Breast Cancer Gowns
- iPAD and Speakers for Video Interpreter
- Tower Fans
- X-men weights (for prostate cancer physiotherapy program)
- Floral Arrangements
- Artwork
- Bariatric Recliner Chair.
Having a month off alcohol also has great health benefits, such as sleeping better, having more energy and of course, no hangovers.
So you’re not only helping others, you’re helping yourself – it’s a win-win!
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