Daffodil Month 2013 Kicks Off
28 March 2013
Manitoba -
Every three minutes, another Canadian hears the words “you have cancer” for the first time and 6,100 Manitoba families hear those words every year. The Canadian Cancer Society wants them to know that they are not alone.
Laurie Abbott’s husband Ward heard those words and then lost his life to colorectal cancer in 2008. He was only 43. “It was obviously a very tough and emotional time in my life,” Laurie said today, “but I want to let others know what they can do to possibly save a life.”
That’s why Laurie will join with millions of Canadians in support of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Month this April by donning a bright yellow daffodil pin. The lapel pins are symbols of hope and determination; they show support for people battling cancer and honour those who have been lost to the disease. It’s a way for everyone to come together in April and fight back against ALL cancers.
Daffodil Month is especially meaningful this year as the Canadian Cancer Society marks its 75th anniversary. In 1938, the Cancer Society was officially born, growing through the years into Canada’s leading national cancer-fighting charity. Today – thanks to the years of support of volunteers and donors – the Society has the reach, strength and experience to make the most impact against cancer in communities across Canada.
In this time, the Cancer Society has provided $1.2 billion for cancer-fighting research. And we are saving lives as a result. In the 1940s, only one in four people – 25% – survived a cancer diagnosis. Today, the survival rate is 62%.
“While our 75th anniversary is an occasion to celebrate our contribution to the success in the fight against cancer, it is clear that more work needs to be done,” said Mark McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Manitoba Division. “And with the help of donors and many volunteers, we can continue to make progress in the cancer fight. And we will not give up until cancer is defeated.”
The Cancer Society is encouraging all Manitobans to wear a daffodil pin throughout April to show people on a cancer journey they are not alone and to remember loved ones lost. Daffodil pins are available for a small donation at hundreds of locations in more than 75 communities throughout Manitoba including all Canad Inns and Super Thrifty locations. To find a pin location near you or to make a donation visit www.fightback.ca.
“At Canad Inns we believe in supporting and giving back to our community,” Canad Inns Chief Executive Officer Paul Robson said. “We know that virtually every Manitoba family has been touched by cancer and so we are working with the Canadian Cancer Society during Daffodil month to engage everyone in the cancer fight.”
Throughout Daffodil Month, people can make a difference by:
- Contacting the Cancer Society to get a daffodil pin box for your place of business;
- Telling a loved one or friend with cancer that they are loved; let them know about the Society’s information and support programs;
- Donating to the Cancer Society when a volunteer canvasser knocks on their door;
- Signing up as a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society to can make a difference in the fight against ALL cancers;
- Joining a Relay For Life team or sponsoring somebody who is participating.
The Society wants Manitobans to tell them what they are doing to support cancer patients and who they are wearing their Daffodil Pin for by visiting www.cancer.ca or on facebook at www.facebook.com/CCSManitoba.
The Cancer Society invites Canadians to visit our 75th anniversary microsite at www.cancer.ca/75years to learn more about how the impact we have made has changed the course of cancer in Canada.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.