FLOWER POWER IN CANCER FIGHT
GEELONG PhD student Snehal Midge knows only too well how important public support and funding for cancer research is.
The Deakin University student is dedicating her current work to developing early diagnostic tools for breast cancer.
“It’s really expensive to carry out this research and I’ve seen projects halting halfway through because the funding has run out,” she said.
Ms Midge will be out rattling tins and doing her bit for the Daffodil Day fundraising effort today.
Bunches of daffodils and pins will be sold at stores across Victoria as the community stands in solidarity with those touched by cancer.
The daffodil was chosen as a symbol because it is a hardy flower likely to withstand a harsh winter only to bloom more beautiful in the spring.
Cancer Council Victoria head of fundraising Andrew Buchanan said while progress had been made in research, thanks to fundraising events, there was much more to do.
“Thanks to events like Daffodil Day, we have been able to invest in the best cancer research, helping to increase five-year cancer survival by 20 per cent since 1985,” he said.
About 1330 Greater Geelong residents are diagnosed with cancer each year.
For more details on Daffodil Day or to donate, visit daffodilday.com.au