Light a Candle of Hope this Christmas

The Irish Cancer Society will light thousands of candles in Dubh Linn garden, Dublin Castle at 6 pm on Tuesday, December 16th in a special celebration to send a message of hope to all those in Ireland affected by cancer this Christmas.

The event will open at 6 pm with some words from CEO of the Irish Cancer Society John McCormack, followed by poetry readings from cancer survivor Ger Houlihan and live music. The public are invited to come along and walk along the candle lit path – read messages dedicated to loved ones, look for their dedication, or simply enjoy the hopeful atmosphere.

Over 35,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year – with 150,000 people living with the disease. Every family in Ireland is affected by cancer and this December the Society is inviting them to come together and shine a light of hope into the darkness of this disease, working together for a brighter future without cancer.

Candles can be decorated and dedicated to someone you care about, whether you want to celebrate someone who has survived cancer, remember someone you lost from the disease or send out a message of hope to someone you love.

John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said: “One in three people in Ireland will hear the words ‘You have cancer’ during their lifetime. We understand the impact cancer can have on an individual and their family. We are hosting this Christmas Candle of Hope event, lighting thousands of candles, to let people know that there is hope in the face of cancer. In Ireland, 60 per cent of people diagnosed are now alive five years after diagnosis. The Irish Cancer Society is here to help cancer patients, we are here to support them and their families with vital cancer services. For those who we have lost to cancer, we will light a candle and have hope that our cancer research efforts will result in better outcomes for cancer patients in the future.”

To make sure your candle is included in this very special event - visit www.cancer.ie to dedicate a candle today. Thousands of candles have already been sent to households around the country – so if you haven’t returned yours do so today. All dedications must be made by December 10th to be included in the garden.

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All donations received from the candles will fund the Society’s mission for a future without cancer, this includes; vital services such as the Cancer Information Service incorporating the National Cancer Helpline and 12 Daffodil Centres across the country offering cancer information, support and advice; Care to Drive, a free transport service for cancer patients attending chemotherapy treatment in hospitals; financial aid for those undergoing financial hardship as a result of their diagnosis and a Night Nursing service where cancer patients who are at the end of their cancer journey are nursed at home surrounded by the ones they love. Aside from supporting cancer patients, the Society is also the leading voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland, working to find better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer.