Cancer Council supporters Connie Wilson and Natalie Wall draw from their own cancer journeys to help others facing a similar diagnosis.
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For the past four years Mrs Wilson – a breast cancer survivor – has been a friendly face behind the wheel of the Cancer Council’s transport vehicle, ferrying patients between medical appointments.
The mother of two also helps hand out information – and compassion – from behind the counter of the not-for-profit organisation’s information centre at Wollongong Hospital.
Mrs Wall is still fighting a battle against thyroid cancer, yet finds time between treatments to take part in a range of fundraising events throughout the year.
On Daffodil Day today the Wollongong women will both be manning stalls selling the fresh, spring flowers and other merchandise.
‘‘For me the daffodil is a really great symbol – it’s indicative of spring and new life,’’ Mrs Wall said. ‘‘And I think after a cancer you do have a new life, and it doesn’t have to be all sad.
‘‘I was initially diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 1996 and received treatment, and then it came back two years ago and I’m still working on it.
‘‘But when I’m well enough I think it’s important to give back to the Cancer Council, and help others wherever I can.’’
One of the hardest things Mrs Wall has had to do is tell her two young sons, now 10 and 12, that her cancer had returned, but a booklet from the organisation helped her find the right words.
It’s that sort of information that Mrs Wilson likes to impart, to help others navigate their cancer journeys.
‘‘There’s a whole range of questions you have when you have cancer – they’re often things that haven’t been included in the information your doctor has given you, or that you haven’t wanted to hear at the time,’’ Mrs Wilson said.
‘‘That’s the kind of information we’re here to help with.’’
Cancer Council NSW Southern Regional Office community engagement manager Jennifer Menchin encouraged Illawarra residents to support Daffodil Day at one of the region’s 75 merchandise stalls.
‘‘The daffodil is an international symbol of hope and the day is an opportunity for the whole community to show they care,’’ she said.
‘‘The funds raised go towards cancer support, information and services for people currently going through their cancer journey.
It also goes towards world-class research which has led to some amazing advances in cancer treatment.’’
Now in its 29th year, Daffodil Day is one of the largest fund-raising events in the southern hemisphere and has raised more than $133million since its inception.
