Dundalk cancer survivor calls for Daffodil Day support

“Every little bit helps,” is the message from Dundalk man and cancer survivor Joseph Woods who will be among the many people supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Day appeal today.

Joseph’s journey with cancer began in 2019 when he received the daunting diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 

“I was only 30 at the time,” Joseph recalls, “and to hear the words that you've got cancer, it is a scary time.”

However, with the steadfast support of his family and friends, along with plenty of positivity, Joseph tackled his treatment head-on, and is now in remission. 

“I would love for people to support Daffodil Day as everybody is affected by cancer in some way, either on a personal level or a family member or friend may be going through it. 

“Daffodil Day helps the Irish Cancer Society to support everyone affected, as I know from my time with cancer,” he said.

Joseph recalled how he was first diagnosed in February 2020 after his symptoms had started around October, November 2019. 

“I went through about three and a half months of biopsies and tests and scans and eventually surgery, which they got my final diagnosis with. 

“And then in February, the doctor told me that this is what I had, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. And then the same week, I started chemotherapy for six months after that.”

Joseph says he was naturally scared at first but found that keeping a positive attitude really helped him to process his diagnosis and cope with the disease.

“I was only 30 at the time, and to hear the words that you’ve got cancer, it is a scary time. 

“And they had told me that I mightn’t have twelve months to live, which made it even scarier, but I suppose I got on with it at the time and I knew what was ahead of me. 

“So just [keeping] a positive outlook I had through the whole experience and the positive mindset helped me the whole way through it. 

“And with the support of family and friends, it was brilliant as well. Everybody got behind me and it just made the whole experience that much easier.”

Throughout his battle, Joseph found solace in the compassionate care provided by the Irish Cancer Society.

“During my treatment, I spoke to the nurses, and they guided me with little tips and things on what to do when you’re feeling sick and things like that.

“The driving service for people who can’t get to the hospital, keeps another worry off people. 

“Now, lucky enough, I didn’t need that service because my wife was off work at the time and she was able to take me. But to know the services there is brilliant. Even if one week you don’t have anyone to give you a lift to hospital, you can contact them and they will sort that for you.”

With figures showing that one in two of us will get cancer at some point in our lives. There isn’t a family in Ireland that hasn’t been touched by the disease, and for Joseph, the key advice is to remain positive if at all possible.

“The only advice is to stay positive. And I know it’s hard for people to hear that after a diagnosis, but I’m speaking from experience. 

“A positive mindset makes everything so much easier. I know it’s easy to go into a corner and feel sorry for yourself, and it is difficult, period. 

“And I’d also encourage anybody, especially men… if you think there’s something wrong, go and get it checked, because we as fellas put everything on the long finger and think that it’ll go away. 

“Lucky enough for me, I went and got it checked, and if I didn’t go and get it checked, I mightn’t be here speaking to you today. I would encourage people if you think something’s wrong. Go and get it checked out.”

On Daffodil Day Joseph is urging the local community to support Daffodil Day

“The Irish Cancer Society provides great services around the country because around 42,000 people a year get diagnosed with cancer in Ireland. 

“And the services they provide for all those people is brilliant. And I know not everybody needs themselves, but just to know that they’re there to help people is amazing. 

“They depend on things like Daffodil Day,on the 22 March for the fundraising, because I think it’s only around 5% of the income is government funded. 

“Everything else is fundraising by themselves. So every little bit helps for them.”

Thanks to the generosity of the public, the Irish Cancer Society insured that in 2023 there were:

Over 350 free lifts to bring Louth based cancer patients to their cancer treatment

Over 330 free counselling sessions to people living in Louth; and 

Over 230 nights of free Night Nursing care to allow cancer patients in Louth to die at home surrounded by loved ones. 

A spokesperson for the society said: 

“There are lots of ways to get involved- You can support Daffodil Day with your school, college or workplace, or maybe you’d like to host your own event with friends and family in your community. 

“You can sell Daffodil Pins in your business, or volunteer to join us with bucket collections in your area. Visit cancer.ie to get involved or learn more.”