About Us
Dialysis Escape Line Australia gives renal patients freedom from their everyday restrictive routine.
Nancy Douglas-Irving OAM and Enzo Scipioni OAM, having together experienced almost 20 years of dialysis due to kidney failure, established Dialysis Escape Line Australia in 1998. Today, the organisation is operated by a small team of dedicated volunteers, led by Nancy, who are passionate about providing opportunities for dialysis patients. Sadly, both Enzo and Wayne have passed however their legacy continues to live on through Dialysis Escape Line Australia.
Currently the Committee is made up of 5 volunteers – Nancy, Michelle, Chris, Angela and Marianne – who are dedicated to improving the restricted lifestyle imposed by dialysis treatment. They volunteer their time to raise funds to enable Dialysis Escape Line Australia to set up temporary dialysis units at resorts and on cruise ships. This allows patients the option to take a holiday from the rigours of dialysis, without the stress and difficulties commonly experienced when organising treatment away from home.
Dialysis Escape Line Australia offers on average 2-3 getaways a year (funding dependant) for groups of up to 12 patients with their partners and produces a newsletter that is distributed to all members and dialysis units across Australia. Dialysis Escape Line Australia does not receive any government assistance or funding, nor do they employ paid staff. Their ability to arrange such getaways is dependent on the generosity of their supporters, proceeds from fundraising and donations.
An important fact to note is that Dialysis Escape Line Australia does NOT fund the cost of an individual’s travel – all funds raised go towards the cost of setting up the dialysis units, cost of consumables, specialist insurance required for such ventures and administration. We do know however that such trips help renal patients regain their confidence and provides much needed respite for their partner and family members who care for the person requiring dialysis. Long-term friendships are established on these getaways, providing valuable ongoing support to our travellers and a renewed sense of purpose. The emotional benefits of these getaways are immeasurable.
