More than a flower: how Daffodil Day gives hope
Each year, Daffodil Day gives New Zealanders a chance to unite against cancer, a diagnosis that affects one in three of us. For many, the daffodil is just a yellow flower pinned to a shirt. But for people like Leigh Pemberton, it represents something more personal.
In New Zealand, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. According to the Melanoma NZ, more than 7,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with melanoma every year. Sun Smart NZ says non-melanoma cancers, like squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas affect 90,000 people
Skin cancer is largely caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While it highly preventable with sun block and sun smart habits, early detection is crucial. Regular skin checks, protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV hours can dramatically reduce the risk and improve treatment outcomes.
She was teaching when she received the phone call “I don’t usually answer my phone in class, but I had been waiting on the results from a basal cell carcinoma that had been removed from my nose 3 weeks beforehand”
Leigh was then referred to an oncologist. From Monday to Friday for 6 weeks, Leigh was going to go through radiation via a mask that was going to be moulded to her face and clamped down to a table. A total of 30 sessions.
“The day my mask was made, I cried. A lot. Before I had even started, I was in tears, it’s terrifying. It’s real”
Leigh credits the staff at the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre for making her experience as supportive as possible
“The team were gentle, kind, careful and ready to go at my pace. Every step of the way, they explained and described what I would feel, they didn’t sugar coat it”
Leigh only has 3 more sessions before her 30 are done.
“You don’t know what’s happening to you and your body, and you don’t know of the help you can get,” Leigh says. “I support Daffodil Day so the next person diagnosed with cancer has the same help and support that I received.”
By supporting Daffodil Day, New Zealanders are not only funding important services and research but also standing with people like Leigh, reminding them they are not alone in their fight against cancer.
