Tasmanians rally behind Daffodil Day

TASMANIANS came together to support people impacted by cancer as Daffodil Day marked its 40th year nationally.
Cancer Council Tasmania aimed to raise $250,000 through this year’s campaign, helping fund cancer research and support services for Tasmanians affected by the disease.
Across the state, 4,865 bunches of fresh daffodils were made available at 51 stalls, alongside a range of Daffodil Day merchandise.
Cancer Council Tasmania Community Fundraising Manager Zoe Vandervelde said the familiar yellow flowers provided people with a simple way to show their support.
“Everyone knows when they see daffodils over the next couple of days across Tasmania that they can buy them and know that they’re supporting Cancer Council and a cancer-free future,” Ms Vandervelde said.
For Hobart mother Barbie O’Breza, Daffodil Day held a particularly special meaning.
Her son Ollie was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive high-grade glioma at just 12 years old and fought the brain tumour for two years before passing away at 14.
Ms O’Breza remembers Ollie as a kind-hearted boy who loved gaming and was always keen to get his hands on Cancer Council merchandise.
“He didn’t ever want anybody else to go through what he was going through, especially a child,” Ms O’Breza said.
“If he was here, he would do it himself, so I have to do it for him and for others, ’cause there’s lots of people that cancer touches every day.”
Ms O’Breza said her family knew firsthand the importance of support for families affected by cancer.
“While we don’t have a future with our Ollie, we have so many wonderful memories that we wouldn’t have without the support of Cancer Council Tasmania and cancer research,” she said.
Cancer Council Tasmania CEO Alison Lai said Daffodil Day was about much more than fundraising.
“No family should have to face cancer alone,” she said.
“Daffodil Day gives our community an opportunity to come together, remember loved ones, support people currently facing cancer and help fund the services and research that make a real difference.”