Skin cancer survivor, Kevin Roden from Drogheda is calling on the local community to join the fight against cancer by supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, which takes place on Friday, 28 March. 

Kevin Roden, aged 63, was diagnosed with melanoma in January 2024. 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.

Reflecting on his cancer experience, Kevin Roden said: “My wife Ann gave me the push I needed to 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 mind-set and I’ve been really open with friends and family to raise as much awareness as I can. 

“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.

“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.”

The Irish Cancer Society is there to ensure that every person affected by cancer has a place to turn to, the support they need and the hope that there will come a day when no one in Ireland dies from cancer.  

Thanks to the amazing generosity of the Irish public, the Irish Cancer Society invests in groundbreaking cancer research and delivers crucial free support services for people affected by cancer, throughout Louth. In 2024, your generous support provided:

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said: “...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:

• €30can help provide transport for a patient to and from their chemotherapy treatment using the Irish Cancer Society’s Transport Service.
• €50can help provide vital clinical equipment for an Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse.
• €55will 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. 
• €455will 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