Meet Grampians Health Ballarat’s 2026 Dry July Ambassador

Chris is 70 years old and an avid horse rider. Since being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma six years ago, he has continued to find solace in riding and through the support and services of the Grampians Health Ballarat Cancer Wellness Centre. 

Chris’s cancer journey began long before his diagnosis in February 2020. 

“I’d been going to doctors for five years saying, there’s something wrong with my guts,” Chris says.  “Despite repeated tests, nothing was found until a new GP ordered further investigations. 

“He said, ‘Didn’t you bring someone with you?’ And that’s when I knew something serious was going on.” 

By the time the cancer was identified, it had spread extensively through Chris’s lymphatic system and was wrapped around major organs. He immediately began treatment through an experimental clinical trial. 

“They said because of my age and my fitness, they could offer me a trial. I said, ‘Yeah, no worries — even if it doesn’t help me, it will be able to help someone else.’” 

Over the following years, Chris experienced multiple recurrences, scans, biopsies, chemotherapy treatments and further clinical trials. In early 2025, he received a confronting phone call informing him he had a particularly aggressive form of cancer and would require intensive treatment, including plans for stem cell and bone marrow harvesting. 

“They rang me and said I had really aggressive cancer,” Chris recalls. “Even though they said I couldn’t do any more rides, I snuck another one in.” 

Remarkably, after short-term treatment, Chris returned to commence another clinical trial only to be told there was no evidence of cancer. This cycle of recurrence, treatment and being declared cancer-free has happened three times throughout his journey. 

Throughout it all, the Cancer Wellness Centre became an essential source of support. 

“I didn’t come during COVID because everything was shut,” Chris says, “but once I could, I started coming in and it just felt good to be here.” 

Chris regularly attends Tai Chi sessions, receives massage and acupuncture treatments, and participates in a range of wellness programs. 

“It’s not stressful. It’s just good,” he says. For Chris, the sense of connection has been just as important as the therapies themselves. “I like the company - there’s always people around. I enjoy entertaining people and cheering them up.” 

The Wellness Centre offers non-clinical support for people affected by cancer and their carers. Services include oncology massage, acupuncture, Tai Chi, yoga, peer support groups, the Look Good Feel Better program and many other wellbeing activities designed to support people throughout their cancer journey. 

Understanding how financially challenging a cancer diagnosis can be for many families, Chris values that these services are provided free of charge. 

“It has cost me absolutely nothing,” he says. “That still blows me away.” 

Now feeling well and remaining active, Chris is passionate about giving back to a service that has supported him through some of the most difficult periods of his life. 

“I’m just trying to put something back in.” 

Importantly, the Wellness Centre receives no government funding. It relies entirely on community donations to continue delivering and expanding its services. Each year, community support helps provide more than 3,400 free appointments and over 20 different support and education programs for people living with cancer. 

Since the Wellness Centre opened in 2011, Dry July donations have helped fund a range of support services and essential equipment for the Chemotherapy Day Unit, including an ultrasound-guided cannulation device and replacement treatment chairs. 

Chris has chosen to share his story publicly to raise awareness of the Cancer Wellness Centre and encourage people to take part in Dry July by fundraising or making a donation. 

“The Wellness Centre plays a huge role in helping people get through cancer. It’s not just the treatments - it’s the people, the support and knowing you’re not doing it alone.” 

To support this Dry July, visit: https://www.dryjuly.com/BRICC