The support of the Dubbo community has made the campaign to have an integrated cancer centre at Dubbo Hospital a success, the NSW Cancer Council has said.
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Now they are hoping residents can answer the call again and participate in Daffodil Day on Friday, participating by wearing a daffodil pin, making a donation or purchasing merchandise online or at local Daffodil Day stalls.
The stalls are run by dedicated and selfless volunteers like Gwen Glover and Flo Ashby, who will be outside Dubbo Post Office during the day, selling daffodils and other merchandise.
“We always have a good day. We generally sell all of our daffodils by about 2pm and we find everyone is very generous,” Flo said.
Both women are cancer survivors and now take great joy in doing their part.
Flo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986 and has been a member of the support group since the beginning. She said she was lucky that she didn’t have to undergo any chemotherapy treatment after having the cancer removed.
Gwen had a rare form of cancer called Myelofibrosis but was able to beat the disease thanks to a bone marrow stem cell transplant from her brother, who was a perfect match.
Despite their cancer battles, both women said they refused to let it stop them from living their lives.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Daffodil Day but the Dubbo Cancer Support Group will also celebrate the same landmark in September. Flo and Gwen are both members. Flo was an inaugural member and she encouraged Gwen to sign up nine years ago.
“It’s a wonderful group. We help Lourdes and the money we make goes to Lourdes, helping them buy things and also helping people who come to Lourdes with accommodation if they need it,” Gwen said.
A number of members of the Dubbo support group will be volunteering for Daffodil Day but they take part in Relay for Life and Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
Flo encouraged anyone who wanted to join the Dubbo Cancer Support Group to contact Genelle Reid on 02 6841 8500.
As well as the Post Office, there will also be Daffodil Day stalls at Dubbo Square, Bunnings and Orana Mall.
Cancer Council NSW Western Region Community programs co-ordinator Camilla Thompson said the community should be proud of its lobbying for the integrated cancer centre.
“The daffodil is a symbol of hope, and the Dubbo community have shown hope in making life that much easier for local people living across Western NSW impacted by a cancer diagnosis,” she said.
