Daffodil Day is coming soon, the largest national fundraising event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, providing essential funds for cancer research, prevention and support programs. Through it, the Cancer Council aims to raise over $9 million.
The daffodil was chosen as the international symbol of ‘hope’ for those affected by cancer — it is the flower that traditionally heralds the return of spring, new life, vitality and growth.
In line with the theme of hope, read Alan Jones’s story of hope from last year of his battle with cancer.
The legendary broadcaster speaks out about his recent life-threatening illnesses, in the hope of helping others.
Just before Christmas 2008, radio legend Alan Jones secretly checked himself into hospital. He’d told no-one that he had a brain tumour — yet as he was wheeled into surgery for the four-hour operation, he had a fleeting moment of unease.
“I thought about my brain and how close this operation was to the action,” says the buoyant broadcaster. “The surgeons were coming within a millimetre of the speech centre, and while some people would be happy if they’d edged a little closer, I was apprehensive.”
Coming just six months after his battle with prostate cancer, the tumour was a double whammy, but Alan remains remarkably sanguine about the past year.
You knew you had prostate cancer when you gave the eulogy at Jane McGrath’s funeral last June. Why did you keep it so secret?
I’d had a hell of a year — four of my staff had died of cancer and I’d given seven eulogies, including Jane’s. The day of Jane’s funeral, all I thought about was Glenn. It sounds stupid, but my cancer didn’t bother me. I had world-class doctors looking after me and I’m philosophical — if it was my time, then I’ve had a fair innings and been given a lot of opportunities. The problem came when I had to cancel all my speaking engagements as the operation drew closer. My niece — who is also my PA — was concerned, because I kept having doctor appointments. In the end, I told her the night before I announced it at the press conference. My message was that we don’t do dying around here.
(Interview by Angela Mollard)
Daffodil Day takes place on Friday 27 August.
Merchandise is on sale throughout August.
This year’s range includes tax deductible donation cards, new key rings, our ever-popular pens, soccer balls, diamante’s, this year’s collectable Dougal Bear decked out in a funky yellow hoodie and of course bunches of fresh daffodils.
Schools can also get involved and receive a Dress Yellow for Daffodil Day kit, or register to sell Daffodil Day merchandise.
Visit www.daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 to register or donate.
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