Canadian Cancer Society launches April Daffodil Campaign

 Cancer changes everything – donate to change cancer forever

TORONTO, March 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Hearing the words "You have cancer" profoundly alters lives and the Canadian Cancer Society urges Canadians to join with them to change cancer forever.

"We've reached a tipping point and now, more than ever, we need Canadians' support," says Pamela Fralick, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. "Every donation made during our April Daffodil campaign will bring us one step closer to preventing cancer, detecting it earlier, improving treatments and helping Canadians live longer, healthier lives."

Thanks to donors the Society has funded billions in cancer research since the 1940s, resulting in advances that have improved the lives of Canadians. Donors have also made it possible for the Society to become the country's most trusted source of information and support for people living with cancer and their families. Current statistics show that progress has been made – today over 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis. In the 1940s, survival was about 25%.

"The generosity of donors has brought us to an exciting threshold and there is great optimism for a future where we will no longer have to fear the word cancer," says Fralick. "But work remains to be done and the need for your continued support grows with each passing day."

Current statistics show that the number of new cancer cases continues to rise steadily as the Canadian population grows and ages.  Almost half of all Canadians are expected to develop cancer in their lifetimes and it is the leading cause of death in this country. Last year, an estimated 187,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed and 75,500 Canadians died from the disease.

"Change won't happen without you," says Fralick. "Donating to the Society makes you part of a vibrant cross-Canada team that is working to transform the way we understand this disease and live with it."

Wear a daffodil pin
Fralick especially encourages Canadians to buy and wear a daffodil pin during April to show their support for people living with cancer. 

"Whether it's through family or friends, we all have a story about how cancer affects us," says Fralick. "By donating to the Society and wearing a daffodil pin, we're collectively saying that we are in this together and we won't give up until all forms of the disease are defeated."

During Daffodil Month Society volunteers in communities across Canada will be knocking on doors, organizing special events and selling daffodil pins and flowers to raise funds.  

You can donate to the Society in many different ways:

• Buy and wear a daffodil pin throughout April. Pins are available at Society offices and at participating locations of our local corporate partners and our  national pin partners: Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC); Bowl Canada; Canlan Ice Sports; JACOB; LifeLabs; Mortgage Alliance; Pharmasave; Ryder Canada; WirelessWave; Tbooth.
• Donate online at cancer.ca.
• Attend a Daffodil month event in your community.
• Buy daffodils.
• Donate when a volunteer canvasser knocks on your door.
• Participate in a Society fundraising event in your community.
• Sign up to participate in a Relay For Life event in your community or sponsor a Relay participant.
• Donate your Petro-points or gift a virtual daffodil pin to a friend on Petro-Canada's Facebook page.

Donations during Daffodil Month will help the Society:

• fund excellent cancer research.
• provide information and deliver programs and services to prevent cancer and to support people living with cancer and their families and caregivers.
• advocate on behalf of Canadians on important health and cancer issues.

Contact your local Society office to find out what's going on in your community during the Society's Daffodil campaign or go to cancer.ca.

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on our progress, we are working with Canadians to change cancer forever. Make your gift today at cancer.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)

Sasha Anopina, Bilingual Communications Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, [email protected], 416-934-5338