Barbie O’Breza lost her son Ollie to brain cancer two years after he was diagnosed at just 12 years old.
The Hobart mother is among those marking Daffodil Day today, honouring the kind-hearted boy she describes as big on gaming, big on love and always keen to grab his Cancer Council merchandise.
“He didn’t ever want anybody else to go through what he was going through, especially a child,” O’Breza said.
“If he was here, he would do it himself, so I have to do it for him and for others, ’cause there’s lots of people that cancer touches every day.”
Ollie was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive high-grade glioma – a brain tumour O’Breza described as typically found in older patients.
He fought for two years before passing away at 14.
“After losing Ollie, I know first-hand how devastating cancer can be for a family,” she said.
“While we don’t have a future with our Ollie, we have so many wonderful memories that we wouldn’t have without the support of Cancer Council Tasmania and cancer research.”
Her message to other families facing cancer is simple.
“Just reach out,” she said.
Daffodil Day marks its 40th year nationally on Thursday, with Cancer Council Tasmania aiming to raise $250,000.
Community fundraising manager Zoe Vandervelde said 4,865 bunches of fresh daffodils would be sold across 51 stalls statewide, alongside merchandise.
“Everyone knows when they see daffodils over the next couple of days across Tasmania that they can buy them and know that they’re supporting Cancer Council and a cancer-free future,” Vandervelde said.
Cancer Council Tasmania CEO Alison Lai said the day was about more than fundraising.
“No family should have to face cancer alone,” Lai said.
“Daffodil Day gives our community an opportunity to come together, remember loved ones, support people currently facing cancer and help fund the services and research that make a real difference.”
