CALEB NICKERSON
April 3, 2019
Those with sharp eyes may have noticed a little splash of yellow gracing the lapels of municipal workers and officials over the past few days. That’s because April is daffodil month, a campaign put on every year by the Canadian Cancer Society to raise awareness for the estimated two in five Canadians who will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.
MRC Pontiac is continuing to do their part in the campaign, as they have since 2017, and will be selling pins at their reception desk for $2.
The daffodil is a symbol of rebirth and hope, in addition to being a sure sign of spring, making it the ideal icon for the Canadian Cancer Society. It appears after the harsh weather of winter and is one of the first flowers to bloom.
The campaign was started 62 years ago and serves as both a popular fundraiser and a show of solidarity and support for those affected by the disease.
It’s estimated that more than a third of all cancers can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices, so increasing awareness about risk factors is just as vital as researching medical therapies and cures. Most of these choices are straightforward, such as avoiding salty, sugary and processed foods, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Though it might be difficult to cut out the vodka and Cuban cigars cold turkey, gradual adjustments are more likely to result in long-term habit changes.
Felt pins as well as fresh cut flowers are sold throughout the month to go towards research on over 100 different types of cancers.
The society has even adapted to the Facebook age, as users can create a customizable daffodil pin to share on social media at mydaffodil.ca.
For more information on screening, diagnosis or even how to donate or volunteer, go to the website cancer.ca.
