Daffodil Day is April 27
TORONTO, March 29, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Every three minutes another Canadian is faced with fighting cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society wants them to know that they are not alone.
This year, as part of its annual Daffodil Month activities, the Society is stepping up the fight against cancer by designating April 27 as Daffodil Day.
"During Daffodil Month we're asking Canadians to wear a daffodil pin to honour the people in our lives affected by cancer," says Peter Goodhand, CEO and President, Canadian Cancer Society. "Throughout April our hope is that thousands of Canadians across Canada will be proudly wearing our pin to show their support for people with cancer. United by the daffodil, we will be saying that no one has to face cancer alone and that we won't give up until this disease is defeated."
The Society will be encouraging Canadians to do something special on Daffodil Day for those touched by cancer or contribute to the fight against this disease. For example:
...Tell a loved one or friend with cancer that you are thinking of them; let them know about the Society's information and support programs.
...Do something special for someone you know with cancer, such as making a meal, babysitting or doing an errand.
...Talk with your provincial or local politicians about the importance of fighting back against cancer and tell them how they can join with the Society in this fight.
...Make a presentation in your community to help raise awareness about how Canadians can fight back against cancer.
"We are thankful for Canadians' contributions to our cancer fight year-round, but on Daffodil Day we want to create a groundswell of hope and activities that will make a difference to both cancer patients and the fight against this disease," says Goodhand. "Wearing a daffodil pin throughout April and especially on Daffodil Day will be a visible symbol for people with cancer that thousands of Canadians are standing with them as they go through their cancer journey."
Events will be taking place in communities across Canada during Daffodil Month leading up to Daffodil Day. Contact your local community Society office to find out more.
"On Daffodil Day we're inviting Canadians to reflect upon the thousands of people in this country who are facing cancer and to think about ways they can help them in their journey," says Paul Lapierre, Vice President, Public Affairs and Cancer Control, Canadian Cancer Society. "During Daffodil Month, and particularly on Daffodil Day, we also want those with cancer to know that they can turn to the Society for the support they need."
To find out where you can get a daffodil pin contact your local Society office or go to fightback.ca. The pins are also available at outlets of Curves Canada, First Choice Haircutters, Laura Canada and WirelessWave/Tbooth. While the pin is not being sold for a set price, the Society encourages Canadians to make a donation to help support the fights across Canada.
The Canadian Cancer Society has had Daffodil Days in the past where daffodil flowers have been sold on various designated days in communities across Canada in late March and April. This year's Daffodil Day on April 27 will have a different focus. The Society wants to create one special day for Canadians to visibly show their support for those on a cancer journey. Daffodil flowers will continue to be sold in many communities throughout Canada.
By supporting the Canadian Cancer Society during Daffodil Month and on Daffodil Day Canadians will be joining a team that works hard to fight cancer in Canada. Your donation will help the Canadian Cancer Society:
...prevent cancer
...fund research to outsmart cancer
...empower, inform and support Canadians living with cancer
...advocate for public policies to improve the health of Canadians
During Daffodil Month Canadians can make a difference by:
...wearing a daffodil pin to show your support for people with cancer
...attending a Daffodil Day event in your community
...buying daffodils, the Society's symbol of hope
...donating to the Canadian Cancer Society when a canvasser knocks on your door
...participating in a Society fundraising event in your community
...signing up to participate in a Relay For Life event in your community
Contact your local Society office to find out what is going on in your community.
Watch for these upcoming events:
Wednesday, April 27: New cancer research grants funded by the Canadian Cancer Society will be announced.
Wednesday, May 18: New cancer statistics will be released showing the state of cancer in Canada.
Cancer Statistics
...An estimated 173,800 new cases of cancer (excluding 75,500 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer) and 76,200 deaths from cancer were expected to occur in Canada in 2010.
...The five-year relative survival for all cancers combined in Canada is 62 per cent.
...The death rate for all cancers combined is declining for males in most age groups and for females under 70.
The Canadian Cancer Society fights cancer by doing everything we can to prevent cancer, save lives and support people living with cancer. Join the fight! Go to fightback.ca to find out how you can help. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
