Daffodil Day committees in Mayo launched Daffodil Day 2017 this week, to support the growing number of people being diagnosed with cancer in Ireland. Friday, March 24 is the 30th anniversary of Daffodil Day and volunteers in Mayo will be out in force once again to raise crucial funds to help those affected by cancer.
Every three minutes in Ireland a person receives a cancer diagnosis. Over a 12 month period, 1,165 people were diagnosed with cancer in Mayo. In order to provide information, support, and care to people affected by cancer, the Irish Cancer Society needs to raise €3.98 million this year on Daffodil Day.
Speaking at the launch, Mary Callaghan of the Swinford Daffodil Day Committee said: “Since 1988, €66m has been raised nationwide on Daffodil Day to support thousands of people affected by cancer. People of Mayo have been instrumental in raising these funds and we thank you for your staunch support to date. As cancer incidence increases, we need your support more than ever before to ensure no one in our community faces cancer alone. Please give what you can on Daffodil Day and make a difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families.”
Last year 82 cancer patients in Mayo received 490 nights of care through the society’s Night Nursing service. Local night nurse Margaret Brady said at the launch: “When I go into a patient's home I try to bring a sense of calmness, sensitivity, kindness, and understanding while caring and comforting patients and their loved ones. The relief and reassurance expressed by families in the knowledge that their loved ones are comfortable is evidence of the invaluable service provided by Night Nursing. As a professional health carer it is most fulfilling to be of assistance to the patient and family at such a precious and traumatic time. Funds raised on Daffodil Day enable Cancer Care to provide this Night Nursing service.” To get involved in Daffodil Day in Mayo contact (1850 ) 606060 or visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday
