Just
about everyone knows that daffodils are grown everywhere
in Ireland. They can be found in every garden, growing
wild in a field or specifically planted along the sides
of the highways. Daffodils are actually narcissus plants
and they are the chosen symbol of the Irish Cancer Society,
as well as in the United States and some other countriesThe
Irish Cancer Society organizes and sponsors Ireland's biggest
charity event, which is the annual Daffodil Day. It is
the most popular charity event in Ireland and is an opportunity
for everyone to make the biggest difference in the lives
of people affected by cancer. With more people than ever
being diagnosed with cancer, supporting Daffodil Day is
more important than ever. Daffodil Day 2009 in Ireland
took place on a beautiful sunny day on March 20th and it
was a great success.
As
the first flower of spring, the daffodil is a symbol of
hope. To the Irish Cancer Society, it represents the hope
we all share for a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening
disease. Thanks to the donations that were collected, about
1,600 families in Ireland will receive free care from a
night nurse this year. The funds will also go to provide
nineteen
oncology liaison nurses in hospitals around the country.
This type of patient care helps with practical and emotional
assistance to people with cancer.
One
in three people in Ireland will be affected by cancer at
some point in their life and just one box of daffodils
covers the cost of one night of nursing. The Irish Cancer
Society provided over 5,700 nights of care to 1,600 families
in 2008. This is a 10% increase on the number of nights
and people cared for in 2007. The Cancer Information
Service gives one-to-one support to 15,000 people a year.
It
is not too late to show your support online by planting
a daffodil in the Irish Cancer Society's virtual Spring
Garden of Hope. If you would like to contribute, please
visit www.PlantaDaff.ie and write a message to accompany your daffodil in the
garden. You could write a personal message to someone
you love
or to show your support for anyone in Ireland affected
by cancer.