The Irish Cancer Society and Dell launch Daffodil Day 2013 and appeal for support to raise €3.4m to fund vital cancer information services

At the launch of the 26th Daffodil Day, which is supported by Dell, the Irish Cancer Society reveals that providing cancer patients with information and support during their cancer journey is an important part of their new strategy, A Future Without Cancer. The Dell supported Daffodil Day, the Society’s biggest fundraiser, has made it possible for the Society to expand its Cancer Information Service into hospitals through the Daffodil Centres, making it even easier for those with, or affected by, cancer to access their free, confidential services. 

The Society’s Cancer Information Service, which reached over 200,000 people in 2012, seeks to improve the lives of cancer patients in Ireland providing information to empower them to make informed decisions about their treatment. It’s vital that Daffodil Day reaches its ambitious fundraising target of €3.4million in order to continue to provide and expand this service and others. The Society and Dell, lead partner for Daffodil Day, call on the public to help support the campaign on Friday 22nd March and ask people to volunteer, organise or donate on CallSave 1850 60 60 60 or visit the Daffodil Day section on this website. 

Funds raised on Daffodil Day by thousands of volunteers across Ireland go directly to providing information, care and support to those with, and affected by, cancer in Ireland. The Society’s Cancer Information Service is a key service funded by Daffodil Day and includes; seven Daffodil Centres based in hospitals nationwide with plans for seven more in the next two years; the National Cancer Helpline (Freefone 1800 200 700), which also includes cancer chat, queries through email and social media; and a suite of booklets and leaflets. The services are free, confidential and available nationwide. 

Speaking at the launch of Daffodil Day, John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society said, “2013 marks a significant year for the Irish Cancer Society. It is our 50th year of operation and we are happy to be heading into the next 50 years with an ambitious and exciting new strategy. To turn our vision into reality we need continued support from the public for campaigns like Daffodil Day. Daffodil Day is the biggest fundraiser of the Society and reaching our target will have a huge impact on what we can achieve during 2013 and beyond.” 

Mr. McCormack continued, “It is also important for me to thank our volunteers who are the heart of the Society and invest a huge amount of time into making Daffodil Day a success in their communities. For the last 26 years these people have been the lifeblood of our organisation and their continued support is a tribute to what we have achieved during the last 50 years. This continued support is essential to our future success. We are also very grateful to our corporate partner Dell. The Dell team have been our partner in delivering Daffodil Day for the last three years and the support that they and their staff bring is inspiring.” 

In 2010 Dell Ireland became the Irish Cancer Society’s lead partner for Daffodil Day for a three year period until 2013. In addition to providing financial support Dell’s 2,500 employees in Dublin, Limerick ad Cork are supporting the campaign by volunteering time and expertise to the Irish Cancer Society in the lead up to Daffodil Day and on the day itself. 

Also speaking at the launch, Caroline Grant, HR Director, Dell Ireland said: "Dell is delighted to continue to support the Irish Cancer Society and Daffodil Day – a day when the country unites behind a common cause. We have worked closely with the Irish Cancer Society to help ensure that this year’s event is the most successful ever. This has been a fantastic partnership for us and provides an opportunity for our teams in Dublin, Limerick and Cork to work together for a cause that is close to many people’s hearts. We are delighted that we have also been able to tap into our team’s technical capability and creativity to add a number of additional social media activities and consumer campaigns to enrich the campaign even further and hopefully, to help raise additional funds as a result.” 

A user of our Cancer Information Service, Kay O’Leary, had this to say about what the service means to her and her family “I got a phone call from my mother last March as she was taken to Galway University Hospital A&E. After tests she was diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer. My heart ached, I wanted to be there to hold her hand and comfort her, but I live in the US and have three small kids in school. My friend suggested I call the Daffodil Centre. I spoke with the nurse there, Olive, she listened and understood how important it was that my mother would be looked after. She promised to visit Mam and email me the following day. She did, I was so pleased when Olive told me that she had taken Mam for a coffee, and discussed her options with her. My mother bonded instantly with Olive. Mam commenced treatment in June, Olive reinforced how well she was coping. She also explained side effects and useful coping mechanisms for these. I sincerely appreciate Olive, her visits and advice to my mother were as important as those welcome emails to me. It has been a long arduous journey for my mother but thank god she is healthy again. During those sad days it was so good to have Olive at the Daffodil Centre. She is forever appreciated by my entire family.” 

The Irish Cancer Society’s 26th Daffodil Day, supported by Dell, will take place across the country on Friday 22nd March, we appeal to everyone to get involved. Here is how you can support Daffodil Day 2013:

• Volunteer on Daffodil Day
• Organise a Daffodil Day event in your community or workplace
• Buy a daffodil or Daffodil Day merchandise on Daffodil Day or in our online shop 

For more information on how you can get involved, Callsave 1850 60 60 60 or visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday.

Renowned gardener Diarmuid Gavin, with some little helpers from lead partner Dell - Jack Temple (aged 5) from Enniskerry, Darby Condren (4) and Ali Condren (3) from Bray - plant some sunny yellow daffodils in advance of the Irish Cancer Society’s 26th Daffodil Day, which is supported by Dell, taking place on Friday 22nd March.

Organisers are hoping to raise €3.4million for cancer information, care and support services around the country and appeal for volunteers to get involved. Visit www.cancer.ie or CallSave 1850 60 60 60 to organise, volunteer or donate. Daffodil Day is kindly supported by Dell.