April is Daffodil Month

The Canadian Cancer Society, formed in 1938, named April as Daffodil Month back in 1957. The story of how it came to be is quite interesting ...

In the 1950s Canadian Cancer Society volunteers were holding afternoon teas in Toronto. Decorated with daffodils, the teas became known as “Daffodil Teas.” The teas grew in popularity when Lady Eaton, of Eaton’s department store, hosted a Daffodil Tea at a store in downtown Toronto. More than 700 women attended this event. 

In 1957, the first Daffodil Day was held and volunteers took to the streets to sell daffodils. In 2011, the daffodil pin was introduced in Ontario to resounding success. The daffodil pin is a visual symbol worn throughout the month of April to support those who have fought cancer or who are currently fighting the disease. 

Last year, as I proudly wore my bright, yellow daffodil, I donned this badge of honour for myself. My mom, over in Trail, B.C., recounted that she also made sure her daffodil pin adorned whatever jacket or sweater she wore out during the month of April. It was her outward sign of her unwavering support for me while I battled breast cancer.

Recently, when I was in Trail just after my reconstruction surgery, she told me she wouldn't have to wear it this year since I had been "cured". See, she doesn't really get the fact that I will be 'on guard' for signs of this disease for the rest of my life. However, if her coping mechanism is to consider me cured, so be it. I'm not going to burst her optimistic bubble.

The unfortunate next chapter in the story of the daffodil pins is that two weeks ago, my mom was diagnosed with bowel cancer. We don't yet know the ins and outs of her surgery or treatment -- that plan will unfold in the next few weeks after consultations with surgeons and oncologists -- but the one thing I do know is that I am now proudly wearing my daffodil pin each and every day of April in honour of my mom. She is an amazing woman and I will endeavour to be the pillar of strength and support for her that she was to me.