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Just about everyone knows that daffodils are grown everywhere in Ireland. They can be found in every garden, growing wild in a field or specifically planted along the sides of the highways. Daffodils are actually narcissus plants and they are the chosen symbol of the Irish Cancer Society, as well as in the United States and some other countriesThe Irish Cancer Society organizes and sponsors Ireland's biggest charity event, which is the annual Daffodil Day. It is the most popular charity event in Ireland and is an opportunity for everyone to make the biggest difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. With more people than ever being diagnosed with cancer, supporting Daffodil Day is more important than ever. Daffodil Day 2009 in Ireland took place on a beautiful sunny day on March 20th and it was a great success.

As the first flower of spring, the daffodil is a symbol of hope. To the Irish Cancer Society, it represents the hope we all share for a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease. Thanks to the donations that were collected, about 1,600 families in Ireland will receive free care from a night nurse this year. The funds will also go to provide nineteen oncology liaison nurses in hospitals around the country. This type of patient care helps with practical and emotional assistance to people with cancer.

One in three people in Ireland will be affected by cancer at some point in their life and just one box of daffodils covers the cost of one night of nursing. The Irish Cancer Society provided over 5,700 nights of care to 1,600 families in 2008. This is a 10% increase on the number of nights and people cared for in 2007. The Cancer Information Service gives one-to-one support to 15,000 people a year.

It is not too late to show your support online by planting a daffodil in the Irish Cancer Society's virtual Spring Garden of Hope. If you would like to contribute, please visit www.PlantaDaff.ie and write a message to accompany your daffodil in the garden. You could write a personal message to someone you love or to show your support for anyone in Ireland affected by cancer.