B145: A Good Cause

10/12/2024

At this time of year, lots of worthy charities are vying to raise much-needed funds. One charity I like to support is The Irish Cancer Society. It is the national charity in the Republic of Ireland dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem, and improving the lives of those who have cancer.

You can buy Christmas Cards to support them and their website has lots of gift ideas e.g. tote bags, teddy bears, tea towels, tree decorations, backpacks, dog bandanas, dad socks, water bottles. I’ve bought several down through the years and they are always good quality.

Benji Craig looking smart in his Irish Cancer Society Bandana (available at https://www.cancer.ie/shop/gifts/dog-bandana)

The Society was founded on October 10, 1963, as Conquer Cancer Campaign, by Austin Darragh, a general practitioner, and is 94% financed by voluntary contributions from the public. It is the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland. The four strategic goals of the Society involve improving the lives of those affected by cancer, reducing the risk of cancer, influencing public policy on cancer and leading collaborative research.

My ICS Teddy helping out Santa (available at https://www.cancer.ie/shop/gifts/ics-teddy-bear )

In the area of education, the Society provides educational bursaries to nurses who undertake the Higher Diploma in cancer and Palliative Care Nursing. The Irish Cancer Society is also committed to the continuing education of non-specialised nurses caring for cancer patients through a five-day educational programme which is intended as an introduction to the concept of cancer nursing.

My ICS Tea Towels (available at https://www.cancer.ie/shop/gifts/ics-tea-towels)

The largest single fund-raising activity of the Irish Cancer Society is the annual Daffodil Day each spring. It is responsible for 20% of all Society income. The first Daffodil Day in Ireland was held in 1988 and was led by President of the Irish Cancer Society, Professor Austin Darragh and the CEO, Tom Hudson. Charles Cully had been President of the Society from 1984 to 1987 and he was inspired by the Canadian Daffodil Day. Daffodil Day has been held in Ireland every year since and it has become a major annual event.

ICS Daffodil Day Lapel Pin

The money raised by the Irish Cancer Society is spent on research, providing information, support and services, increasing cancer awareness, keeping cancer at the top of the Government agenda and funding fundraising events, and providing:

A free National Cancer Helpline with a team of specialist cancer nurses offer support and advice
Free home-care nursing service
Night Nursing for families who are nursing a seriously ill relative with cancer at home
Hospital based cancer liaison nurses
Child psychology and play therapy services
Cancer Nurse Education

ICS Night Nurse Hilary Neville

This Christmas 2024, it is special to see Night Nurse, Hilary Neville, wife of my 2nd cousin, as the face of this year's Irish Cancer Society "Gift a Night Nurse" Christmas Appeal.
https://www.cancer.ie/ways-to-help/fundraise/christmas
Hilary has done amazing work as a Night Nurse for the last 27 years! She ensures that cancer patients are pain-free and offers reassurance that end-of-life symptoms are controlled and managed. This allows family members and carers to get some sleep and emotional support at a hugely difficult time. Super well done to Hilary...we are all so proud of her!!

So, if you are looking for Christmas gift ideas still, maybe give the Irish Cancer Society a go! ❤️