‘Paint the town yellow’ this Daffodil Day for cancer care

Local breast cancer survivor, Tara Doonan, is urging the people of Cavan to “paint the town yellow” and get behind Daffodil Day; while volunteers are also being sought to man collection points.

The fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society takes place later this month on Friday, March 28, with all money raised locally staying locally.

Diagnosed at just 36, Tara from Killeshandra leaned heavily on Irish Cancer Society supports including the Support Line and remote counselling, all of which are only made possible because of fundraisers like Daffodil Day.

The Irish Cancer Society is there to ensure that every person affected by the illness has a place to turn to, the support they need and the hope that there will come a day when no one in Ireland dies from cancer.

And it’s thanks to the generosity of the Irish public that the Irish Cancer Society can invest in groundbreaking research and deliver free support services for people affected by cancer throughout Cavan and further afield.

In 2024, over 140 free lifts were provided to transport Cavan-based cancer patients to their treatment; over 110 free counselling sessions were delivered to people living in Cavan; and almost 100 nights of free night nursing care were given to allow cancer patients in Cavan to die at home surrounded by their loved ones.

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power added: “One in two of us will hear the words ‘You’ve got cancer’ in our lifetimes. There isn’t a family in Ireland that hasn’t felt the impact of a cancer diagnosis. Right now, a child is hearing the words ‘It’s cancer’. A parent is holding on to hope for a treatment that hasn’t been discovered yet.

“And, a researcher has an idea that could turn that hope into reality. Your support on Daffodil Day fuels life-changing cancer research and vital free services and supports. We really need this year’s Daffodil Day to be the biggest yet to ensure we can be there for those who need us most in 2025. And we cannot do this without you.”

Ms Power added: “Your generous support means everyone affected by cancer in Cavan will have access to the support they need, when they need it most.”

Donations

- €30 can help provide transport for a patient to and from their chemotherapy treatment using the Irish Cancer Society’s Transport Service.

- €50 can help provide vital clinical equipment for an Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse.

- €55 will help pay for the cost of one hour of Night Nursing, providing end of life care to a patient in their own home.

- €60 will cover the cost of a counselling session to help a person cope with a cancer diagnosis in their life.

Volunteers

Local organisers are also seeking volunteers to help them sell daffodil pins on the day.

Martina Lee Boyle said: “If you can spare a couple of hours, please get in touch.”

She can be contacted on 086-3782928.

“Indicate if morning or evening suits you best or if you are flexible and I will do my best to accommodate requests,” she said.

Organisers are also encouraging past volunteers to register again as, due to data protection regulations, they need to make contact again.

“Let’s turn Cavan yellow against cancer,” urged Martina.