Linda Bunting has been a volunteer for Cancer Council NSW for many years and this year is her 11th year of being involved in Daffodil Day, to be held on Friday August 25 this year. Volunteers give their time to help set up Daffodil Day stalls and sell pins and merchandise in locations across Australia.
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“I love this year’s Daffodil Day theme ‘For Someone I Know’,” Linda said. “My biggest inspiration – and the person I’m dedicating a daffodil to this year – is my mother-in-law Margaret, who volunteered for Cancer Council NSW for 24 years.
“Margaret was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990 and had a mastectomy and removal of all her lymph nodes. Then secondary cancer was found in her lungs almost 20 years later. She had a lung removed in early 2010 and started chemotherapy while continuing her volunteering work. She confronted the illness with her usual zest and positive attitude – the dignity and determination she showed during her illness is an inspiration to us all.”
Unfortunately, Margaret passed away in April 2015. In all those years, Margaret raised over $150,000 for Cancer Council NSW.
“In 2013, I went through my own cancer journey when my doctor confirmed that I had breast cancer,” Linda said. “I had my mastectomy and the operation was text book – there was no cancer in my lymph nodes and I was declared cancer free.”
About a year later, after stressing over a follow up, Linda decided to undergo a left breast mastectomy and a double trans flap breast reconstruction. It was a long recovery but with help from her husband and family, she got through it.
“I love volunteering and hope to continue it for many years to come,” Linda said. “I am happy and live a full life – I am one of the lucky ones.”
Every day in Australia around 350 people are told they have a life-threatening cancer.
The survival rate for many common cancers increased by 30 per cent in the last two decades but we still have a long way to go.
There are many ways to get involved. Here’s how you can help:
- Volunteers – to help set up Daffodil Day stalls on August 25. Visit daffodilday.com.au/volunteer
- Order a merchandise box – to order, visit daffodilday.com.au/get-involved/merchandise
- Donate online – visit daffodilday.com.au/donate
- Buy merchandise – at stalls on August 25 and at Coles Express plus other stores throughout August
- Buy a daffodil on August 25 – find a location near you: daffodilday.com.au/get-involved/where-to-buy/
If you’d like to volunteer for someone you know, then register online at daffodilday.com.au/volunteer/
