Leitrim-based milliner and influencer

pictured above was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2024 at the age of 36, after discovering a lump in her breast just two months after the birth of her daughter, Amelia Rose. Today, on World Cancer Day, Jennifer is urging communities in every county in Ireland to turn daffodil yellow on Daffodil Day, March 20th, and to go all in to raise vital funds and give hope to cancer patients.

Speaking ahead of the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day 2026 launch, Ambassador Jennifer Wrynne said: “Being diagnosed with cancer at 36-years-old is something you never expect, especially when you’re in the middle of raising a young family. Sadly, cancer doesn’t discriminate by age. I had recently welcomed my fourth baby, and cancer was the last thing on my mind. Life was busy and full and then, suddenly, everything stopped. My world was turned upside down overnight.

“A cancer diagnosis brings fear, shock, and huge uncertainty, not just for you, but for the people who depend on you. I quickly learned how much strength you can find when you have the right support around you. Throughout my treatment and recovery, the Irish Cancer Society provided trusted information, reassurance, and a sense of hope at times when I needed it most.

“My diagnosis has highlighted how important awareness, early detection, and support truly are. By sharing my story and supporting Daffodil Day, I want to not only raise awareness and vital funds, but also to remind others that they are not alone, and that there is strength, hope, and a life beyond a diagnosis. This Spring, every daffodil you see is a reminder that no one has to face cancer alone.”

Today, on World Cancer Day, the Irish Cancer Society is making a further commitment of over €1 million for the Young Onset Cancer Pilot Programme for 2026 and 2027, delivered in partnership with the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute.

This builds on the Irish Cancer Society’s investment of almost €2 million in the Research Programme over the past three years, with additional funding in, 2026 and 2027 bringing the figure to €3m. The programme is aimed at improving outcomes and providing tailored support for people diagnosed with cancer at a younger age.

EVERY DONATION HELPS

Amy Nolan, Director of Clinical Affairs at the Irish Cancer Society said: “Every donation on Daffodil Day helps us be there for cancer patients and their families — and allows us to fund research and initiatives such as the Young Onset Cancer Programme, delivered in partnership with Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute. We are thrilled to continue supporting this critically important programme in the coming years, building on the impact of the work already underway,”

Over the last couple of decades, there has been a concerning rise in cancer cases among patients under 50, most notably cancers of the gastrointestinal tract — including colon, stomach, pancreas, and liver — alongside increasing numbers of breast, lung, and other solid organ tumours.

“None of our free, life-changing services or research would be possible without the incredible generosity of the public, especially on days like Daffodil Day,” adds Ms Nolan. “With just 5% of our funding coming from the government, we rely on fundraising to fuel our work. We’re encouraging everyone to get involved and go all in this Daffodil Day — the more we raise, the more care, support, and hope we can provide to people affected by cancer in every corner of Ireland.”

The Young Onset Cancer Pilot Programme addresses the specific unmet needs for people from 25 to 50 affected by cancer (young onset cancer patients). Specific focus areas include the provision of social and psychological support, development of primary care pathways, sexual health, fertility, survivorship, and wellbeing. Other research focus areas include examining the underlying biology and cause of young onset cancer, screening, and early detection.

Daffodil Day takes place on Friday, March 20th. Whether you want to get involved with your school, company, or in your community, there are lots of ways to go all in and support cancer patients across Ireland. Visit cancer.ie to get involved or learn more.