Jill offers symbol of hope

CANCER Council Volunteer, Jill Bloomer has been involved with Daffodil Day from the very beginning.

“I have been working with the Cancer Council since it was called the Cancer Fund, and I remember when Daffodil Day began, so you can definitely say I have been involved with the day since its inception,” she said.

Mrs Bloomer has no personal experience with cancer, yet she had spent many hours of her time for years raising money for cancer research.

“I have seen what others go through and that is how I know it is a worthwhile thing to do,” she said.

Mrs Bloomer said the daffodil is a symbol of hope.

“Daffodil Day is always successful because it is so colourful with such happy colours,” she said.

She said raising money is important for cancer research but has other benefits for cancer sufferers and their families.

“The support services that are offered are just as beneficial as the research,” she said.

“The money goes towards education and support for rural and regional cancer sufferers, which can go towards accommodation for patients and their families if they have to travel a long way to go to hospital.”

Mrs Bloomer said it felt natural to help out.

“The more you do with the Cancer Council, the more deeply you find yourself involved and the more special people you meet,” she said

“That's when it starts to feel like something that you not only should be doing, but want to be doing.”

Mrs Bloomer said she will continue to do work with the Cancer Council because of the wonderful people she meets and the stories she hears.

“Sometimes I find people saying to me ‘oh you are so good', but it has nothing to do with being good, it's just that I enjoy it so much.”

Regional Fundraising Co-ordinator Gael Evans said the 10 volunteers raised funds that go towards cancer research, patient support services and education programs.

She said more than 1800 people will be diagnosed with cancer in South West Queensland.