Following the devastating losses of her husband and brother, Karen White is now a passionate volunteer during the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Month.
April is Daffodil Month - a time when you can Help Hope Bloom for people affected by cancer. This month, the Canadian Cancer Society is inviting people across Canada to rally together around the daffodil to show their support by helping fund a national compassionate support system, as well as life-saving cancer research.
What began as a tea party started by a dedicated group of volunteers over 65 years ago has become a national movement that is celebrating a rich legacy of changing the future of cancer. Volunteers like Karen White know how much cancer can change your life. We are incredibly grateful for her tireless and inspiring support.
Inspiring communities for the cancer cause
In 2002, Karen suffered a devastating loss when her husband Paul died from kidney cancer. Still coping with the emotions around his death, she decided to respond to an ad in a local newspaper the following spring. The ad was looking for volunteers for Daffodil Month. She thought getting involved would be a way to make a positive change in the lives of others to let them know they’re not alone.
I decided to volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society because cancer does not care who it hurts but I do,” Karen says. “Being involved in the work of the Canadian Cancer Society is important to me because I know that what I do makes a difference in the lives of people in my community,” Karen says. “I guess you can say, like a daffodil grows and brings hope to people living with cancer, I have grown as a volunteer supporting people living with cancer.
Cancer continued to affect Karen’s life. 10 years after the death of Paul, her brother Steve died from colorectal cancer. She also experienced her own skin cancer diagnosis. Thankfully, she has now completed surgery and is cancer-free. The daffodil, a symbol of hope for people affected by cancer and their families, continues to drive Karen’s volunteering. And when she meets someone new while canvassing, she always tries to make their moment together special.
“When I see someone wearing a daffodil pin, I just want to hug them, and I often do. To me, it means they care. It means they share that hope that lives within each of us. Everyone is touched by cancer and people need to know that the Canadian Cancer Society is here for them.” Karen says.
Show your community they are not alone
When loved ones are diagnosed with, or pass away from cancer, we often want to do something to help or honour them. We want you to know that there is something you can do.
Donating to the Canadian Cancer Society during Daffodil Month is the most impactful way to support people living with cancer and change the future of cancer forever.