'Faces of Hope' join forces to make a difference this Daffodil Day

Nine inspirational Australians have come together to support Cancer Council’s ‘Faces of Hope’ campaign to help grow hope for the many lives affected by cancer this Daffodil Day.

These faces represent individuals from all walks of life, each touched by cancer in some way, providing their very own ‘hope’ message to inspire the nation. They include cancer patients, survivors, volunteers, corporate partners, researchers, carers and Daffodil Day celebrity ambassador, Jamie Durie. Each individual is committed to supporting the vital work of Cancer Council to help grow hope and beat cancer.

Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day, Friday 24 August, is a day for all of us to unite in the hope of creating a brighter, cancer-free future. Over the past 26 years, Daffodil Day has raised over $110 million for vital cancer research, prevention and support services. This year Cancer Council aims to raise $9.2 million.

Cancer Council’s ‘Faces of Hope’ are urging all Australians to come together in celebration of this iconic fundraiser. You too, can support Daffodil Day and grow hope - hope for better treatments, hope for more survivors, and hope for a cure. Getting involved is easy – you can register to volunteer, order a merchandise box or donate by visitingwww.daffodilday.com.au, phone 1300 65 65 85 or find us on Facebook.

With one in every two Australians diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, cancer is a disease that touches all of our lives. Young and old, rich and poor, cancer does not discriminate. It is our own personal experience that makes Daffodil Day a day for all of us to unite and make a difference.

Cancer Council’s ambassador, Jamie Durie, is one of the ‘faces’ urging Australians to come together and share the message of hope this Daffodil Day.

JAMIE DURIE
Celebrity gardener and Daffodil Day ambassador
“Everyone knows somebody affected by cancer. It’s affected my family too –
my aunt, my grandfather, my great grandfather. Cancer could one day affect someone you love. Daffodil Day is a day where we all come together, to support Cancer Council in the fight against cancer. Support Daffodil Day and help make a difference”.

PETER SHORT
General Manager, Coles Express, Corporate Partner
“I had oesophageal cancer and am a proud survivor. As a leader in Coles Express, I hold a unique opportunity to add to the scale and support of the fantastic Coles program raising funds for the Cancer Council Helpline, which provides support to people affected by cancer in Australia”.

CORALYN COWIN
Past survivor, cancer patient & volunteer
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 and again in 2001, both times undergoing several surgeries and treatments. I was free of breast cancer for almost a decade, until last December when the cancer returned. I am undergoing weekly rounds of chemotherapy and while I’ve lost my cherished hair, I’ve never been more determined to help beat cancer.”

LORNA O’BRIEN
Cancer Council Helpline Nurse
“Being able to provide information and support on the Cancer Council Helpline
is so rewarding, knowing that we can make a difference to those needing
information about symptoms, diagnosis or treatment. On Daffodil Day, we
remember all of the inspirational and wonderful people we have spoken with and
we hope to continue to assist as many people as we can during this difficult time”.

STACEY GAFFNEY
Mother of cancer survivor
“My son Kayden is 9 years old. He is a survivor of a brain tumour and has just
celebrated five years cancer free. Daffodil Day is one of my favourite days of the
year. It makes me smile as it beams hope with its sea of yellow inspiration, to
help our future become cancer-free”.

PROFESSOR CHRISTOBEL SAUNDERS
Breast cancer surgeon and researcher, President Cancer Council, WA
“Research is what gives us hope that we will find an end to this disease, and that
we may one day not just treat cancer but prevent it altogether. I believe Cancer
Council’s commitment will hold the key to finding a cure against cancer”.

KASEY VAN PUIJENBROEK
Past survivor & current cancer patient
“In 2007 I was a fit triathlete, and then I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. After
surgery I was left partially paralysed and unable to walk. However earlier this
year, I tackled the 79km ride in the Santos Tour Down Under Bupa Challenge
Tour. This year my tumour returned and I am currently undergoing
treatments of radiotherapy. I hold even greater determination to beat it again”.

MAREE DAWSO
Survivor & carer
“At 37, I was diagnosed with cancer, though 9 years on I was given the all-clear.
In 2010, my husband Michael was diagnosed with rectal cancer and I could offer
support from my own experience. We got married in Hawaii between chemo sessions.
Michael is recovering well and we are looking forward to a long life together".

LINDA & LIZ ELSWORTHY
Lost their sister Trish to cancer
Our sister Trish was diagnosed with Stage 4 CUP (cancer of unknown
primary) on Remembrance Day 2010 and she died approximately eight
months later on Daffodil Day last year. We’re supporting Daffodil Day for
people like Trish, who don't have a primary diagnosis of their cancer. We
think this is the hardest diagnosis to deal with - not knowing where to focus
your mental energies and recognising that in all likelihood your cancer is not
treatable. We hope for better diagnostic outcomes and better treatments”.

To find out more about Cancer Council’s Faces of Hope and to watch our emotive ‘Faces of Hope’ video
featuring Coralyn Cowin, visit http://daffodilday.com.au/faces-hope.

Cancer Council relies on the support of the general public to help reduce the impact of cancer on all
Australians. We always need volunteers to help sell Daffodil Day merchandise. Register or donate by
visiting www.daffodilday.com.au, phone 1300 65 65 85* or find us on Facebook.

*Local call cost anywhere in Australia (mobiles excluded)