Skin cancer survivor from Louth shares his story ahead of upcoming Daffodil Day

Louth man and skin cancer survivor, Kevin Roden from Drogheda, has urged his local community to support cancer patients on Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day on Friday, 28 March.

Kevin Roden, aged 63, was diagnosed with melanoma in January 2024 and has shared his inspiring story.

For his treatment, he underwent surgery on his calf to remove the affected area and he is now participating in a cancer trial undergoing immunotherapy.

Kevin is self-employed and previously played club GAA and soccer over a number of years and is an avid Drogheda United supporter.

“My wife Ann gave me the push I needed to go the get the black mark on my calf checked out. It’s the best bit of nagging I ever got! Of course, it is frightening being told you have cancer, but I have always maintained a positive mindset and I’ve been really open with friends and family to raise as much awareness as I can," Kevin said.

“After hearing about my diagnosis, my brother went and got a stomach issue checked out with his doctor and he ended up having colon surgery after a bowel cancer diagnosis. Early detection is so important and the Irish Cancer Society do such an amazing job of raising that awareness and being there to support patients and their families," Kevin added.

“I’ve been delighted over the years to support the Daffodil Day Committee in Drogheda with their initiatives never knowing that I myself would one day receive a diagnosis. Every euro raised on Daffodil Day is crucial and makes a real lasting difference to patients like me, fuelling life changing cancer research and vital support services.

"I’m an example of somebody who is now participating in a cancer research trial to try improve cancer care and treatment in Ireland. These brilliant trials and opportunities for patients need funding. I would encourage everyone across Louth to get out there on Daffodil Day, March 28th, and show your support for those affected by cancer in your local community,” Kevin said.

In 2024, the generous support of the public in Louth provided The Irish Cancer Society with:

• Over 180 free lifts to bring Louth-based cancer patients to their treatment
• Over 400 free counselling sessions to people living in Louth
• Almost 100 nights of free Night Nursing care to allow cancer patients in Louth to die at home surrounded by loved ones
• Our Cancer Nurses had over 260 conversations with people living in Louth on our Support Line and in our Daffodil Centres.

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Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said: “One in two of us will hear the words ‘You’ve got cancer’ in our lifetimes. There isn’t a family in Ireland that hasn’t felt the impact of a cancer diagnosis. Right now, a child is hearing the words ‘It’s cancer’. A parent is holding on to hope for a treatment that hasn’t been discovered yet. And a researcher has an idea that could turn that hope into reality. Your support on Daffodil Day fuels life changing cancer research and vital free services and supports. We really need this year’s Daffodil Day to be the biggest yet to ensure we can be there for those who need us most in 2025. And we cannot do this without you.

“Your generosity on March 28th means patients and their families will have free supports like Counselling, Transport to treatment and Night Nursing services. Every year, communities across Louth show up and paint the town yellow in support of cancer patients and their families. We’re urging you to stand with cancer patients once again, by going all in against cancer and getting involved or donating this Daffodil Day 28 March. Your generous support means everyone affected by cancer in Louth will have access to the support they need, when they need it most.”

Where the donations go:

€30 can help provide transport for a patient to and from their chemotherapy treatment using the Irish Cancer Society’s Transport Service.
€50 can help provide vital clinical equipment for an Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse.
€55 will help pay for the cost of one hour of Night Nursing, providing end of life care to a patient in their own home.
€60 will cover the cost of a counselling session to help a person cope with a cancer diagnosis in their life.
€455 will help cover the cost of one night of Night Nursing, providing end of life care to a patient in their own home.

For more information about Daffodil Day visit https://www.cancer.ie/daffodilday
Donate at www.Cancer.ie/Donate or over the phone on 0818 10 20 30.

You can also sell Daffodil Pins in your area, host a fundraising event in your community, donate through Facebook, Instagram or JustGiving, or purchase Daffodil Day items on the online shop.

Revolut users can donate to the Irish Cancer Society through the ‘Donations Tab’ on the Revolut app.