Hope blooms for cancer survivors

NORVILLE State School principal Gary Kirk knows cancer does not discriminate. Mr Kirk was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006, and his experience of undergoing surgery and treatment have prompted him to get involved with fundraising for the Queensland Cancer Council

NORVILLE State School principal Gary Kirk knows cancer does not discriminate.

Mr Kirk was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006, and his experience of undergoing surgery and treatment have prompted him to get involved with fundraising for the Queensland Cancer Council.
"It's important to be involved in a whole range of ways," he said.
Mr Kirk is encouraging Bundaberg residents to buy Daffodil Day merchandise this Friday to provide hope for people diagnosed with cancer, and their families.
"There are very few individuals that wouldn't be touched by cancer," Mr Kirk said. He said the majority of funds raised would go directly to research, but the Cancer Council also tried to help deal with the other effects of cancer.
"Cancer not only impacts those with cancer, but also those around them. My wife suffered in different ways and I call that the hidden impact of cancer," he said.
According to Mr Kirk, Bundaberg per capita contributed more to the Relay for Life than most towns in Queensland, and he hoped that generosity would also be shown on Daffodil Day.
"Be proactive, get involved, wear a badge, buy a pin," he said.
Cancer Council Queensland Bundaberg community liaison officer Dallas Shang said the fund-raising merchandise had become collectors' items.
He urged people hoping for a Dougal Bear to make sure they did not miss out. "The bears are selling out quick - I have none left in my office," Mr Shang said. He said diamante pins and fresh flowers were most popular with the ladies, but kids really liked the hope wristbands.
"Daffodil Day is about hope, and spring is the season for hope," Mr Shang said.

Originally published as Hope blooms for cancer survivors