One of Ireland’s favourite and most famous golfers, Pádraig Harrington is the patron of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF).
Though its street awareness campaign fundraiser is being flagged as ‘Lollipop Day’ for today, Friday, March 3rd, tomorrow Saturday, March 4th is tagging along and they make up the two great, nationwide days for the fund.
Castleisland is playing its part and the engine room of the effort is at Lynch’s Pharmacy on Lower Main Street.
Enthusiastic Involvement
The local effort is being bolstered by the enthusiastic involvement of Transition Year Students from St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s Secondary Schools and by their peers from Castleisland Community College.
A pink lollipop is the emblem of the campaign and this highlights the most common symptom of suspicion of oesophageal cancer – a difficulty with swallowing.
Thousands of volunteers sell lollipops throughout Ireland on Lollipop Day today and tomorrow to help raise funds on behalf of OCF and ensure we continue to raise vital funds.
The National Voice
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund Established in 2001 and it is a registered charity and voluntary organisation, which has grown to be the national voice representing oesophageal cancer in Ireland.
Its aim is to raise awareness of the symptoms related to oesophageal cancer and to provide funding for research into the disease.
The primary goals of the fund are to develop and improve public awareness and understanding of oesophageal cancer.
Early Warning Signs
To date OCF has invested €1 million in awareness driving campaigns to increase the public’s knowledge of the symptoms that can be early warning signs. About 450 cases of oesophageal cancer occur in Ireland each year.
Approximately 70% of patients have oesophageal cancer symptoms for more than three months before talking to their GP. We want to change this; as early detection can be vital in saving lives. To find out more about the Oesophageal Cancer Fund you can do so with a click on the link here: http://www.lollipopday.ie
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