Recently I’ve shared about Daffodil Month and why I wear the Daffodil pin. We have all been affected by cancer. Our reasons for wearing the pin are personal, but the impact of doing so expands far beyond ourselves. Below, Carolyn shares her personal cancer story. She explains what the Daffodil pin means to her and how CancerConnection, a Canadian Cancer Society support program, provided her with hope.
Carolyn’s Story:
As a cancer survivor and future CancerConnection volunteer I want you to know how powerful the symbol of the daffodil pin is. Here is my story. This is why I wear the pin.
On December 30, 2008, I was shocked and devastated to find out I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
After two mammograms that were labeled suspicious, and a biopsy, my cancer was thankfully caught at Stage 1. I had what’s called triple positive, high grade breast cancer. It’s a very aggressive cancer and I had a double mastectomy.
While both my mother and father died of cancer, I still never imagined it would happen to me. When my dad was diagnosed I was very young and I didn’t know how to handle it. Should I be cheerful? Should I let him take the lead? When I was diagnosed I quickly realized that what I needed was hope. My husband and friends were cheerful, optimistic, and encouraging, but it just wasn’t enough. I wanted to talk to people who understood what I was going through; who’d made it to the “other side” and were doing well.
Early in my diagnosis I searched websites and online forums but I found that I wanted a more personal connection with another woman who had gone through a similar experience. I wanted someone to talk to.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s CancerConnection service gave me what I needed. Marie, from CancerConnection, put me in touch with two women whom I spoke with over the phone on a regular basis. So regularly, in fact, that I soon chose to continue talking with just one volunteer – as I felt like I was taking up too much of the volunteers time! (Though they never seemed to mind.) I became close friends with one of my CancerConnection volunteers. She was an amazing support and her way of sharing her experiences helped me stay cheerful and calm.
CancerConnection was a profound support for me. When someone says you’re going to be okay—someone who’s been there–you have faith and you want to fight back.
The daffodil pin is a symbol to show those affected by cancer they are not alone. In this day and age we can be so disconnected, but the daffodil pin gives us a sense of unity. When people wear the pin and identify themselves as supporting this movement to fight cancer, they empower those around them. Seeing people wear the daffodil pin makes me feel stronger. I feel connected, like an instant bond, that shows I’m not alone.
This April I’m wearing the daffodil pin for all the women who’ve helped me fight cancer. I’m also training to be a CancerConnection volunteer, so that I can provide hope to others.
- Carolyn
