Giving up for a good cause - Anne Fenwick wants to raise awareness of the programme that helped her during cancer fight

Take It From Us with Kent Johns Podcast - Lisa McDonald & Veronica Shale: Why we're giving up alcohol

By Kent Johns on Jul 13, 10:05pm

Take It From Us with Kent Johns Podcast

 LISTEN HERE - Lisa McDonald & Veronica Shale: Why we're giving up alcohol. ABOUT: This powerful episode shares breast cancer survivor Lisa McDonald’s story and how Dry July-funded services helped her through treatment. Dry July NZ Campaign Director Veronica Shale explains how the movement has raised over $11 million to support Kiwis with cancer. A heartfelt reminder that small acts of support can make a big difference.

Letters: July may be the perfect month to go sober

By Veronica Shale, NZ Herald 1 July 2025 on Jun 30, 11:30pm

Letters: July may be the perfect month to go sober

Letters to the Editor

We read your editorial over a hot cuppa (not mulled wine – promise) and appreciated the straight-up take.

You’re right, July isn’t the easiest time to give up alcohol. It’s cold, it’s rugby season and comfort is king – but that’s exactly why it works.

Dry July is meant to be a challenge, a small sacrifice in support of the 2,200 New Zealanders who this month alone will hear the words “you have cancer” and are going through one of the hardest times of their lives.

The campaign started in 2008 with three Aussie mates raising funds for a mate in hospital. No slick branding or big strategy, just people doing something for someone they cared about. That story and spirit is...

How paddle boarding funded by dry july helped cancer survivor find her feet again

By Deena Coster, The Post / Taranaki Daily News June 23, 2025 on Jun 28, 12:45am

See The Post June 2025

How paddleboarding helped cancer survivor find her feet again

After a shock cancer diagnosis, Judy Armstrong has nothing but praise for how a rehabilitation charity helped her find her feet again.

At the age of 64, Armstrong was diagnosed with bowel cancer and was confronted with the need to undergo radiation, chemotherapy and surgery in short order, and then wear a stoma bag for eight months.

The diagnosis came out of the blue for the Waitara woman, who had none of the usual symptoms associated with the disease.

The only inkling something was amiss was the desperate urge she had to go to the toilet while out training one day for a marathon.

While she navigated her intensive treatment thanks to the support of family,...