Athlone woman urges support for cancer patient services this Daffodil Day

A young Athlone woman who sought assistance from the Irish Cancer Society following her Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer diagnosis is calling on the public to support Daffodil Day on Friday, March 25.

Throughout her diagnosis Rebecca Duffy (22) availed of the Irish Cancer Society Support Line, Daffodil Centre, free counselling and financial aid.

Ms Duffy said "I called the Society’s Support Line one afternoon when I was really anxious and they were brilliant, they offered me free counselling sessions. It was really good, I just needed someone to chat with."

"Having someone to talk to and share with is a huge weight off your shoulders. There is always someone there to listen, you will never be fully alone. It is so good to know those free resources are available when you need them."

Reflecting on her own experience with cancer, Rebecca says that it has strengthened her in many ways.

"I’ve learned to enjoy my own company more. I have been forced to go through a lot of scary things alone, I think that will stand to me in a way. Going through this has strengthened my own inner confidence and that has empowered me."

In December 2021, Rebecca had an allogeneic stem cell transplant after discovering her older brother Codaí was a 100% genetic match. She is now more than 50 days post-transplant and feeling good. This year she hopes to volunteer on Daffodil Day in Athlone with her family.

The Irish Cancer Society provides vital services to patients and their families in Westmeath every year, including supporting almost 340 free counselling sessions, over 208 nights of in-home Night Nursing for patients in their final days, and more than 300 Volunteer Driving lifts transport patients safely to and from their hospital appointments in 2021.

The Irish Cancer Society is asking the public to participate in Daffodil Day in any way they can to show solidarity and support for anyone affected by cancer.

As well as donating at Cancer.ie and volunteering to help fundraise, they can purchase items from the Daffodil Day online shop and take part in a steps challenge.

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said: “We are so excited to be able to get out on the streets again to see the amazing support the people of Ireland show to anyone affected by cancer. Daffodil Day is such a special and hopeful day for our entire community. Throughout the pandemic we’ve been so lucky that people have found innovative ways to support us but we are looking forward to seeing Ireland turn yellow once again on March 25.

“Daffodil Day is our most important fundraising event of the year and the money raised goes directly to funding crucial supports including our Support Line, free counselling, our Night Nurses to provide end of life care, and financial support for families of children affected by cancer. Along with these services, the money raised on Daffodil Day allows us to support life-changing cancer research.”

For more information about Daffodil Day visit www.Cancer.ie/DaffodilDay .