Donegal teen cancer survivor calls on community to go all in this Daffodil Day
Joel Messenger, 19, was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) in November 2024, after experiencing symptoms that he initially thought were from a stubborn flu
Donegal man and cancer survivor Joel Messenger from Greencastle is calling on his local community to go all in against cancer for the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, which takes place on Friday, March 20.
Joel, 19, was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) in November 2024, after experiencing symptoms that he initially thought were from a stubborn flu. As his symptoms worsened, Joel was sent for a blood test and then a bone marrow biopsy.
He was diagnosed with CML, a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow, where the body makes too many white blood cells that don’t work properly.
Joel takes targeted drug therapy and is now in remission. He said: “Being in remission now is honestly such a relief. I am finally able to take back control of my life and enjoy every day.
“Fifteen months ago, I didn't think it would be possible to be fully healthy again and get to be as happy and content with life as I am now. And now, a year later, I am getting the opportunity to speak about my journey from diagnosis to remission.”
Now encouraging people across Donegal to support Daffodil Day, Joel said: “Every euro raised on Daffodil Day is crucial and makes a real lasting difference, fueling life-changing cancer research and vital support services. I would encourage everyone to please get out there on Daffodil Day, March 20th, 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 public the Irish Cancer Society invests in ground-breaking cancer research and delivers crucial free support services for people affected by cancer, throughout Donegal.
In 2025, your generous support provided over 860 free lifts to bring Donegal-based cancer patients to their treatment
Over 85 free counselling sessions for people living in Donegal; over 210 nights of free Night Nursing care to allow cancer patients in Donegal to die at home surrounded by loved ones; our Cancer Nurses had over 1,100 conversations with people from Donegal on our Support Line and in our Daffodil Centres.
Irish Cancer Society Acting CEO Edel Shovlin, who is from Raphoe, said: “Cancer doesn’t wait — and neither can we. This year, thousands of people in Ireland will hear the words, ‘You have cancer’. Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, a future suddenly filled with uncertainty. But this Daffodil Day, there is also determination, compassion and groundbreaking research driving real progress.
“Daffodil Day 2026 is about turning solidarity into action. The funds raised don’t just support vital, life-changing cancer research — they provide immediate, practical help for people facing cancer right now. From free counselling and transport to treatment, to Night Nursing care that allows someone to spend precious time at home, your support makes an extraordinary difference.
“Communities across Donegal, and throughout Ireland, will once again come together to paint the country yellow — standing shoulder to shoulder with patients and their families. But we need this to be our biggest Daffodil Day yet. When you donate or get involved, you’re not just giving money — you’re giving comfort, hope and time. Together, we can ensure that no one in Ireland faces cancer alone.”
Where your 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; €60 will cover the cost of a counselling session to help a person cope with a cancer diagnosis in their life; €65 will help pay for the cost of one hour of Night Nursing, providing end-of-life care to a patient in their own home; €505 will help cover the cost of one night of Night Nursing, providing end-of-life care to a patient in their own home.
Ways to support Daffodil Day
Donate at www.Cancer.ie/Donate or over the phone on 0818 10 20 30
Sell Daffodil Pins in your area - www.cancer.ie/daffodilday
Host a fundraising event in your community - www.cancer.ie/daffodilday
Donate through Facebook, Instagram or JustGiving
Revolut users can donate to the Irish Cancer Society through the ‘Donations Tab’ on the Revolut app
By getting your primary school, secondary school or company involved: www.cancer.ie/daffodilday
Text DAFFODIL to 50300 to donate €4.
Texts cost €4. Irish Cancer Society will receive a minimum of €3.70.
Service Provider: FUNDRAISING SOLUTIONS Helpline: 012022810.