Support cancer patients this Daffodil Day
EVERY three minutes a person in Ireland gets a cancer diagnosis, and in Mayo, 1,052 people were diagnosed with cancer in 12 months.
Daffodil Day, proudly supported by Boots Ireland, takes place this Friday, March 23, and is a crucial fundraiser in the fight against cancer.
Support for cancer patients is vital, according to Bernie Byrne, a local night nurse who cares for terminally ill cancer patients in Mayo.
Speaking as Daffodil Day volunteers in Mayo gathered to launch Daffodil Day at an event in Westport House, Bernie urged local people to get involved and fund supports for patients.
She said: “I’ve had the privilege of working as a night nurse and caring for cancer patients for three years. Through this work, I have seen ordinary people do extraordinary things to help their loved one die at home.
“I have witnessed heart-breaking situations and marvelled at the best and most beautiful things in life that have touched my heart and I have been in the presence of courage, truth, reconciliation and decency.
“People often say 'I could never do your job' but for me this is no job, this is my privilege.
“Money raised on Daffodil Day will ensure I can continue to provide this crucial care so that families can have this precious time together in the comfort of their home.”
Last year, 497 nights of nursing care were provided for 89 cancer patients in Mayo. In order to provide services to people affected by cancer, the Irish Cancer Society needs to raise €4m nationally on Daffodil Day this year.
Karen Hughes, local Daffodil Day organiser, urged local people to show their support for people in Mayo affected by cancer.
“People of Mayo have been instrumental in raising funds to help people affected by cancer, and we hope to see another show of support on March 23. As cancer incidence increases, your support is needed more than ever before to ensure no one in our community faces cancer alone.
“Volunteer to sell daffodils, or simply buy a daffodil on March 23 and make a difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families,” she said.
Boots Ireland is the official main sponsor of Daffodil Day and stores in Mayo will be getting involved.
Ann Mullarkey, store manager of Boots in Westport, said: “Boots Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society have been working together for five years now to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. We are looking forward to going one step further by sponsoring this flagship fundraising day and hope the people of Mayo will show their support.”
To get involved in Daffodil Day in Mayo, contact Lorraine Toner on (087) 7936499. For more information, visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday.