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Daffodil days put the focus on cancer

Submitted by the Canadian Cancer Society-April is just around the corner, which brings a familiar sight to northern BC communities like Queen Charlotte, Masset and Port Clement: Canadian Cancer Society volunteers selling bunches of bright yellow daffodils.
It's all part of the Society's 'Daffodil Days' promotion in late March, heralding April as Daffodil Month - and the beginning of the Canadian Cancer Society's 2007 fundraising season to support cancer research, prevention and support.
During Daffodil Month, watch for volunteers providing cancer prevention programs, advocacy initiatives for healthy northern communities, and support programs to help northerners with cancer cope with the disease. Although celebrated in April, this work is carried on all year.
"At least half of all cancers can be prevented," said Barbara Kaminsky, CEO for the Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division. "We can prevent many cancers by reducing smoking rates, having higher exercise participation rates, consuming more vegetables and fruit, and maintaining a healthy body weight."
Olga Elliott has been volunteering with the society's Queen Charlotte unit since 1992, and running the Daffodil Days fundraiser for at least 10 years. She's very motivated to help, after having lost her father, father-in-law, some close friends and lately, her cherished pet, to the disease.
She and her team of four are planning to sell about 500 10-stem bunches of the flowers, which are shipped free to the island thanks to Air Canada, to raise more than $1,750.
"For me, daffodils are a sign of spring, renewal, and the important role of the Canadian Cancer Society," Ms Elliott said. "Also, daffodil sales helps pay for some of the emergency aid offered by the society to island residents needing to go to the mainland for cancer treatment."
Look for Ms Elliott and other volunteers selling daffodils at local businesses in Queen Charlotte, Port Clement and Masset between March 26 and 30.
When you want to know more about cancer, visit www.cancer.ca or call the Society's toll-free Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333.