Lorraine: Daffodil Day volunteer, Dublin
I’ve lived with cancer for 30 years. It affects young and old alike
Lorraine Taylor knows all about cancer having lived with it for the last 30 years.
She first became familiar with the Irish Cancer Society’s supports and services following her second diagnosis in 2010/2011, and through her subsequent volunteering she has come to appreciate just how much cancer affects everyone from young to old.
“I remember one particular occasion from two years ago when I set up my Daffodil Day display stand in the local community shops,” said Lorraine.
“There was one little lad who counted out his money and dropped it in the box. I said to him ‘thank you, you’re very good’ and asked him if he knew what Daffodil Day is all about. He said: ‘I do, my brother had cancer two years ago but he’s doing very well now.’ That just stuck with me.
“Young and old come up to you on the day and you’re really a beacon of light for them when you share your story, and they see that you’ve been through that journey and come out the other side.”
As a long-time fundraising volunteer Lorraine will miss the comradery that comes with meeting people on Daffodil Day but she feels a duty to help get young people involved, both online and for when they can hit the streets again in years to come.
“Cancer affects everybody, and getting the children involved in a campaign like this I think is priceless.”
If you or someone in your life has been affected by cancer and would like to share your story, we would love to hear from you. Real stories help us to raise awareness about cancer so we can save more lives.
