Supporting Local Cancer Patients, One Pack at a Time: Our Oncology Oral Health Packs Project

Today marks a significant moment for Toowoomba Dental as Chelsea delivered 30 Oncology Oral Health Packs to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. She handed them to Chief Executive Officer Jude Wills, Head of Fundraising Brighid Harper, and Events Manager Kristina Morris. What began as a personal family experience has evolved into a project that reflects our values of care, community, and compassion.

Why This Project Matters

Cancer touched our family when Chelsea’s sister and brother-in-law were both diagnosed. Thankfully, they are now in remission, something we are deeply grateful for. During their treatment, we learned that oral health changes such as dry mouth, mouth sores, and dental sensitivity are often overlooked. Understandably, most of the focus is on the immediate challenges of chemotherapy and medical treatment, but the oral side effects can significantly impact comfort, nutrition, and quality of life.

We realised there was a gap in support. Patients were often presented with scattered information or none at all. Much of what existed was technical, overwhelming, or not easy to understand during the stress of a new diagnosis. We knew there had to be a better way to support people, especially when they already feel vulnerable and unsure.

Creating the Oncology Oral Health Packs

Toowoomba Dental Oncology Packs

With this in mind, we began designing resources that explained oral health changes in clear, simple, and reassuring language. These resources included practical steps that patients could take before, during, and after treatment. We paired this information with comfort items that could make a daily difference, such as products for dry mouth, soft oral care tools, and gentle lip care.

Our goal was not to replace medical treatment but to provide patients with the information and tools they need to feel better prepared, more comfortable, and more in control. We wanted these packs to feel like a supportive gesture from the community, especially for those who may feel overwhelmed or isolated.

A Community Effort

This project could not have happened without the remarkable generosity of both local and national businesses that believed in our mission.

- The House of Mouth kindly donated 30 dry mouth care sample packs. His passion for supporting cancer patients through targeted oral care made him a natural partner.

- GC Australasia Dental contributed 30 applications of Tooth Moose, a product that is highly beneficial for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

- Von-Katz Soaps & Gift Baskets donated 35 organic lip balms, recognising how essential gentle lip hydration is for patients experiencing treatment side effects.

- Lula, known for their self-warming eye masks, provided items designed to bring comfort and relaxation during treatment sessions.

- Erskine Dental, donated 80 extra-soft toothbrushes that are safe and soothing for patients with sore or sensitive mouths.

- Colgate provided floss to support gentle daily oral hygiene.

Every contribution, whether big or small, has become part of a much larger message of support for patients in our region.

Delivering the Packs

Chief Executive Officer Jude Wills, Head of Fundraising Brighid Harper and Events Manager Kristina Morris from the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation

When Chelsea arrived at the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation to hand over the packs, she was met with warmth and enthusiasm. It was a proud moment for our team to see the boxes that had filled our clinic now ready to support those who truly need them.

The Foundation has always been committed to improving patient experiences, and we are grateful that they welcomed this project with open arms. Their team made it clear how valuable these packs will be for patients who often face unexpected or misunderstood side effects.

Looking Ahead

We hope these Oncology Oral Health Packs bring comfort, clarity, and confidence to patients during one of the most challenging times in their lives. Our dream is to continue expanding this project and to keep supporting our local community in meaningful and practical ways.

To everyone who contributed, thank you. Your generosity has turned an idea into something real, something that we hope will make someone’s day a little easier and remind them that they are not alone.

From all of us at Toowoomba Dental, thank you for standing with us on this journey of care and community.