Canadian Cancer Society Marks Its 75th Anniversary and Launches Its Annual Nationwide Daffodil Campaign

April 27 is Daffodil Day: Wear a Daffodil Pin to Show Support for People Living with Cancer

TORONTO, March 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Every three minutes another Canadian hears the words "You have cancer," and the Canadian Cancer Society wants them to know that they are not alone.

During Daffodil Month (April), and especially on Daffodil Day (April 27), the Society is asking Canadians to wear a daffodil pin as a bright symbol of support for people living with cancer and to join the fight against cancer by making a donation.

Today's launch of the Society's Daffodil Campaign is especially meaningful as this day marks the organization's 75th anniversary. On March 28, 1938, the Canadian Cancer Society was officially born, growing through the years into Canada's leading national cancer-fighting charity. Today - thanks to the years of support of volunteers and donors - the Society has the reach, strength and experience to make the most impact against cancer in communities across Canada.

"We invite Canadians to join us in marking our 75th anniversary by making a donation during Daffodil Month," says Pamela Fralick, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. "Your donation will help us continue our work in preventing cancer, funding research and providing support for Canadians living with cancer."

During the Society's early years in the 1940s, the cancer survival rate was about 25%. Today, over 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years after their diagnosis.

"While our 75th anniversary is an occasion to celebrate our contribution to the success in the fight against cancer, it is clear that more work needs to be done," says Fralick. "It's only with the support of our volunteers and donors that the Society will continue to save lives and support people living with cancer."

Daffodil Day - wear a pin!

The bright yellow daffodil has been an integral part of the Society's history since it was used for the first time by Toronto volunteers during the 1950s to decorate tables at fundraising events that became known as Daffodil Teas. Daffodil Day - Saturday, April 27 - helps wrap up the Society's campaign by designating a special day where we can reflect upon the thousands of Canadians who are on a cancer journey and also to remember those who have not survived.

"By wearing a daffodil pin on April 27, we show people living with cancer that they don't have to face cancer alone," says Fralick. "Together, we are creating a national movement of people who are all touched by cancer in one way or another and who are collectively saying we're in this together and we won't give up until all forms of the disease are defeated."

Do something for a person living with cancer on Daffodil Day

The Society also encourages Canadians to do something special on Daffodil Day for a person living with cancer or to help contribute in some way to the fight against the disease. On Daffodil Day:

• Make a meal for someone you know who has cancer or drive them to an appointment.
• Tell a loved one or a friend with cancer that you are thinking of them; send them an email or card; tell them about the Society's information and support programs.
• Sign up as a volunteer with the Society and see how you can contribute to the cancer fight.
• Join a Relay For Life event or sponsor someone who is participating.

To donate online or to find out where you can get a daffodil pin, go to fightback.ca or contact your local Society office.  The pins are also available at participating locations of: Canlan Ice Sports; Cogeco; Golf Canada; JACOB; Laura; LifeLabs; Mortgage Alliance; Pharmasave; Running Room; Wirelesswave; and Tbooth Wireless. We also welcome the Business Development Bank of Canada as a daffodil pin partner.

What your donation will do

By donating to the Canadian Cancer Society during Daffodil Month you will help the Society:

• fund research to outsmart cancer;
• provide information and deliver programs to prevent cancer and to support people living with cancer, and their families and caregivers;
• advocate for public policies to improve the health of Canadians.

Throughout Daffodil Month, special events and activities will be taking place in communities across Canada to raise vital funds for the important work of the Society. Contact your local Society office to find out what's going on in your community.

Cancer statistics

• In 2012, it was estimated that 186,400 new cases of cancer (excluding 81,300 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer) would be diagnosed and about 75,700 Canadians would die from the disease. This meant that on average about 510 Canadians would be diagnosed with cancer and about 205 would die from the disease every day.
  
  
• An estimated 2 in 5 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. An estimated 1 out of every 4 Canadians is expected to die from cancer.

We invite Canadians to visit our 75^th anniversary microsite at www.cancer.ca/75years to learn more about how the impact we have made has changed the course of cancer in Canada.

For 75 years the Canadian Cancer Society has been with Canadians in the fight for life. We have been relentless in our commitment to prevent cancer, fund research and support Canadians touched by cancer. From this foundation, we will work with Canadians to change cancer forever so fewer Canadians are diagnosed with the disease and more survive. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333;TTY,1-866-786-3934.

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)

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