Dipping for a Daffodil Day drive

Grampians Health Cancer Resource Nurse Kerry Piera is not afraid to get her feet wet when it comes to supporting a good cause.

On August 20, however, Kerry is literally taking the plunge and going all in to raise awareness for the Cancer Council’s Dip for Daffodil Day. Her plan involves an inflatable plunge pool filled with ice cold water, a chicken costume and a large amount of courage.

The Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day Dip has become a much-loved yearly ritual for Australians affected by cancer and Kerry wants to bring awareness to the Wimmera community around the support needed to ensure cancer patients have the right care.

While funding is always important, Kerry said volunteer support was also a high priority.

“We have wonderful volunteers at Wimmera Cancer Centre and Stawell Oncology who provide small comforts for patients while they are receiving chemotherapy,” Kerry said.

“We also have volunteer drivers who bring patients from other towns to their cancer appointments in Horsham and Stawell and they do an amazing job but we could do with a few more.

“So if there’s anyone in Horsham or Stawell who enjoys driving and has some spare time, we would love to hear from you.”

Grampians Health and Grampians Integrated Cancer Services are supporting Kerry’s dip while Horsham’s Cheeky Fox Café will cater for the event and Horsham Florist will provide fresh daffodils.

GICS Cancer Services Improvement Officer Dr Ashlee Hendy said she and colleague Maggie Johnson would be at Wimmera Cancer Centre on the day to support Kerry taking her dip.

“The cancer centre has invited patients and families to the event so we look forward to seeing everyone having a smile at Kerry’s expense.

“I want to particularly thank Horsham Florist and Cheeky Fox Café for their sponsorship and hopefully we can increase the volunteer driver list.”