‘I’m forever grateful for what the Cancer Society have done for me’
A mum-of-two and cancer survivor, Donna- Marie Cullen, joined RTÉ’s Claire Byrne to celebrate the return of Daffodil Day to communities around Ireland for the first time in three years.
Donna-Marie (36) was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer called Ewing Sarcoma in September 2020, which she says was “horrific” due to the amount of time she spent in hospital away from her family with no visitors due to restrictions.
Ahead of Daffodil Day on March 25, Donna-Marie from Lucan is urging people to give back and donate to the Irish Cancer Society after they helped her on her journey to recovery.
“From day one, the Irish Cancer Society have been there with me, and they’ve been with my family,” said Donna-Marie.
“They provided relevant information, they were sincere, empathetic and they just understood. All of my family engaged in the counselling services, including my 12-year-old son Seán.
“The Irish Cancer Society were there for me throughout my treatment, because I was alone for one week out of three in the hospital. I’m forever grateful for what they’ve done for me. They’ve helped me and so many families in this country, and it’s because of people who have donated to the Irish Cancer Society, especially on Daffodil Day.”
Donna-Marie finished up her surgery and treatment in summer 2021 and she still has some reconstructive surgeries ahead of her.
As the flagship fundraising day returns to the streets of Ireland for the first time since 2019, the Irish Cancer Society is calling on the public to take part in any way they can to show solidarity and support for anyone affected by cancer. People are being asked to take part and take back from cancer in any way they can this Daffodil Day.
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.
Speaking at the launch of Daffodil Day, Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, said that she is “so excited” to be able to get out on the streets again to see the support of the people of Ireland.
“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 25th.
“The pandemic showed us how we can achieve incredible things when we come together with a purpose. Now we must focus this effort on making sure we don’t go backwards on the progress made in saving lives from cancer.
“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.”
