Mum and daughter diagnosed with cancer just months apart urge public to go all in this Daffodil Day

Tuesday 6th February: Just eight months after her 13-year-old daughter, Sinéad, was diagnosed with leukemia, Margaret Walsh from Co. Mayo received her own breast cancer diagnosis.

The pair are urging communities from every county in Ireland to turn daffodil yellow on Daffodil Day March 22nd and go all in to raise vital funds and give hope to cancer patients.

Speaking at the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day launch on Friday, cancer survivor, Margaret Walsh said:

“As a mother, I knew in my heart of hearts- even before the doctors confirmed it- that Sinéad had leukemia. Telling our family, Sinéad’s three siblings, and her grandparents was just heartbreaking. Then soon after Sinéad started treatment, we found out that I had breast cancer. I just remember thinking I don’t have time for cancer, I have a child to get better.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the Irish Cancer Society. Daffodil Day means that families like mine have invaluable help in carrying the weight of a cancer diagnosis, and in our case two cancer diagnoses. The free supports we’ve received have been a lifeline- free counselling, a grant to help with the costs of Sinéad’s diagnosis, and an incredible Irish Cancer Society family camp, which allowed us to park cancer for a weekend and concentrate on being together as a family.

“None of these incredible, vital supports would exist without the public’s generosity on Daffodil Day and I really can’t fathom how different our cancer experience would have been without them. So please, go all in against cancer this Daffodil Day to give hope to every family facing this disease in Ireland.”

Averil Power, CEO, Irish Cancer Society said:

“Every three minutes someone in Ireland hears the words ‘you’ve got cancer.’ There isn’t a family that hasn’t felt the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis. But no matter what cancer brings, the Irish Cancer Society is here to help.

“All of our essential services, like free counselling, Night Nursing, and patient travel are fueled by fundraising. We simply can’t provide them without the public’s generosity.

The more we raise on Daffodil Day, the more we can do. The more help we can give to children and adults going through cancer. The more lifesaving research we can fund. And the sooner we can ensure all cancer survivors have the support they need to live life to the full. We're all in because you are. Join us this Daffodil Day and help us do more.”

Daffodil Day takes place on Friday 22nd March. Whether you want to get involved with your school, company, or in your community, there are lots of ways to go all in and support cancer patients across Ireland. Visit cancer.ie to get involved or learn more.