The support Carissa Samuelu received from Dunedin’s Daffodil House during her cancer treatment has left her wanting to return the favour.

The Ōamaru-based mother of two has organised a Kid’s Fun Afternoon, Daffodil Day Fundraiser for this Friday (23 August), with all funds raised going to the place which provided a bed for her during her treatment. 

Last year was the first year for the fundraiser, which Carissa threw together in a week.

“At this point last year, I knew that I was going to be staying there for my treatment because I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in July last year.

“My treatment was starting in September. No one knew that yet - I hadn't told anybody, but I knew that I wanted to give back, for what I was going to receive there, and yeah, they were incredible. 

“It's just a wonderful place to have right next door to the hospital, for those of us that have to go through that treatment.”

Last year she says the response was great, and she raised more than $600. This year, she would love to raise more than $1000.

"But at the end of the day, I'm just grateful to be able to contribute something back.”

The fundraiser is at the Waitaki Community Recreation Centre from 3pm to 5pm and, for a $2 entry fee, children can play in a Sport Waitaki play area, create some craft with items donated by PaperPlus and Barnados, and play on a bouncy castle loaned by TK Hire. 

There will also be a cake stall with $2 goodies donated by Delectables and Temptations bakeries, and a sausage sizzle run by Waiareka Valley Lions.

A raffle, with $350 worth of prizes (and counting) donated by local businesses, will be running too.

A lot of children are impacted by cancer, whether they have it, a parent has it, or a grandparent, Carissa says.

“So I thought it would be great to have a fun day for kids, and . . . maybe some kids have spoken about it before and some haven't. So it's a good way, I guess, to be able to have that conversation with them, and them to come along and have fun, and donate to the cause as well.”

Children are encouraged to wear yellow, and there will be prizes for the best-dressed.

Carissa has finished her treatment now, but still has three-monthly checkups, and now she wants to help raise awareness around cervical cancer and the potential causes that some people may not be aware of.

“I decided I want to share, just to get awareness out there and to make it okay to talk about. 

“Cervical cancer is not, I guess, so much talked about.”

While the cancer is generally caused by certain strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), the chances of developing it can be exacerbated by other factors such as smoking and use of the contraceptive pill. 

Carissa says she was not aware of the risks, especially from the contraceptive pill, and wants others to know.

“And then maybe to make some changes if they feel like they would like to . . . and also, there was a lesion found on my liver, which is common and normal with those who have been on the contraceptive pill, as well. 

“So, you're not told about that, or maybe you are, but you just don't think, you know?

“That lesion can be left and it is fine as it is, but you know, you just don't think about these things,” she says.

Carissa is hoping for a bigger turnout this Friday than last year, and is keen to hear from people who would like to help with setting up or packing up, collecting donations or general supervision of activities.

Businesses and individuals who would like to donate materials for an activity or something for the raffle are also invited to get in touch with her on 021 0837 3505.

Also fundraising for cancer is the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand with its Daffodil Rally for Cancer. 

The Ōamaru event takes place on Sunday (25 August). There is a car display at the Friendly Bay parking area on lower Wansbeck Street, starting at 1pm, with the rally beginning at 2pm. All cars are welcome.

The cost is $20 per car, and for more information, people can contact Gordon Hay on 028 400 7586.

Daffodil Day, the annual official Cancer Society fundraiser, is on Friday, 30 August.