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.”
Last year, 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 cancer prevention work so fewer Canadians are diagnosed in the first place.
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.”
The daffodil pin will be available by donation at various businesses in Ashcroft and Cache Creek throughout April, including the Ashcroft Bakery & Coffee Shop, the Husky House Restaurant and BC Liquor stores.
Submitted