Barriere, B.C. – For the Canadian Cancer Society, the daffodil is more than a simple flower.
This bright and hopeful symbol shows people living with cancer that they don’t have to face cancer alone, and that we won’t give up until we have achieved our vision of a world where no Canadian fears cancer.
During April – Daffodil Month – the Canadian Cancer Society asks all Canadians to buy a daffodil pin and wear it to show their support for those living with cancer.
“We celebrate the ‘power of the flower’ all year round – but April is really our time to shine!” says Lynnette Wray, Financial Support Program Team Lead for the Canadian Cancer Society in the Southern Interior Region. “When loved ones are diagnosed with cancer, we often want to do something to help or honour them. This April, we want people to know that there is something they can do.”
Barriere residents can support Canadians living with cancer by wearing a pin, buying fresh cut flowers and donating to the door-to-door campaign. Every donation made during the Canadian Cancer Society’s April Daffodil Campaign brings us one step closer to preventing cancer, detecting it earlier, improving treatment and helping Canadians live longer, healthier lives.
Last year, thanks to everybody’s generous support of Daffodil Month, the Canadian Cancer Society was able to fund $45 million dollars in world-class research to fight all cancers and help more than 85,000 Canadians through its information and support services. The Society also funds important cancer prevention work so fewer Canadians are diagnosed in the first place.
“In April we like to focus on the support programs that help people on a cancer journey,” says Wray. “Like our Lodge in Kelowna where patients can stay during cancer treatments to the financial support program that helps pay for their travel expenses to get there.”
Of the five different regions in the BC/Yukon Division of the Canadian Cancer Society, the Southern Interior Region is the largest user of the financial support program. Since September 2010, over 1,500 clients have been approved for a total of over $700,000 in funding.
“Our region is the biggest user of the financial support program for several reasons,” explains Wray. “We’re very geographically dispersed and patients often have to travel long distances for cancer treatment in Kelowna or Vancouver. For example, a patient in Cranbrook might need specialized treatment that they can only get in Vancouver. That’s 958 kilometres with limited low-cost transportation options and barriers such as mountain passes and winter weather.”
“I’m proud to be a part of the Canadian Cancer Society because I think with the help of our amazing volunteers and generous donors we’re making a real difference in the lives of people on their cancer journey,” says Wray.
In Barriere, the Canadian Cancer Society kicks off Daffodil Month by selling fresh cut daffodils on March 27 at AG Foods and Interior Savings. Volunteers will also be out in the community during April, canvassing door-to-door and at their workplaces.
The daffodil pin will be available by donation at various businesses in Barriere throughout April, including Subway, Jim’s Food Market and BC Liquor stores.
“We’re looking forward to another successful Daffodil Campaign!” says Wray. “I want to thank everybody that buys a pin, or a bunch of daffodils, or donates to one of our volunteers at the door. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.”
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on their progress, they are working with Canadians to change cancer forever.
While cancer takes a huge toll on Canadians it’s important to remember that progress has been made against this disease. In the 1940s, the survival rate was 25 per cent.
Today, over 60 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years after their diagnosis, thanks in large part to Society-funded cancer research. And the survival rates for some cancers are much higher -- with childhood cancer at 83 per cent, breast at 88 per cent and prostate at 96 per cent.
Check out the website at: cancer.ca/daffodil
Twitter: @cancersociety
Facebook: CanadianCancerSociety