The Canadian Cancer Society opened Daffodil Place in July 2009 and has supported people impacted by cancer ever since. Daffodil Place, in St. John’s, NL, is a home away from home for people impacted by cancer. This 24-room facility is where people can stay with their caregivers when they must travel for cancer treatment. Daffodil Place provides guests with affordable comfort and care. Accommodation includes three hot meals plus snacks daily, transportation between appointments, entertainment, and emotional and practical support on-site. People undergoing a cancer treatment regardless of age outside a 50-kilometer radius can stay at Daffodil Place. Depending on their treatment plan, guests and caregivers can stay at the lodge for a day, a week or longer for $50 a night.
In 2022, an estimated 3,950 residents from Newfoundland and Labrador were diagnosed with cancer. This ives our provinces the unenviable distinction of having the highest incidence of cancer (per 100,000 people) in Canada. It is estimated that about 2 in 5 people in Canada will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The number of cancer cases is expected to increase dramatically by 2030. At the lodges, staff, volunteers and support groups help people affected by cancer get through some of their most challenging times.
Daffodil Place gives people a home away from home. For 13 years, we have helped people with cancer – uplifting them in their darkest moments while providing a community of like-minded friends. Daffodil Place offers more than just a place to sleep. We offer emotional and practical support that makes a real difference in the lives of our guests. For over a decade, 8,548 people living with cancer from 483 communities have stayed at Daffodil Place for 101,509 nights. For just $100, you can cover the cost of a night at Daffodil Place and give people living with cancer the comfort they need to focus on feeling better.
In 2016, Labrador resident Darrel Brenton was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma and learned he would need to stay in St. John’s for all his treatments. Being a retiree, Darrel panicked.
He didn’t know anyone in St. John’s and worried about the cost of accommodations. Thankfully however, he found Daffodil Place.
At the lodges, staff, volunteers and support groups help people affected by cancer get through some of their most challenging times. Now Darrel credits Daffodil Place for becoming his home away from home and creating an atmosphere that brought him hope.
“The staff helped me tremendously with their knowledge, their empathy, the home atmosphere, and the home cooked meals.”
“Daffodil Place was a saviour for me because if I have been in a hospital for 4 months, I think I would have probably let go. Ever since, I’ve been a fighter for Daffodil Place.”
In February 2016, Jennifer Mitchell was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – a cancer that starts in blood stem cells. She was devastated.
Fortunately, Jennifer’s cancer was treatable, but she’d have to spend the next 6-8 months as a hospital inpatient receiving treatment. Thankfully, after her first 6 weeks of treatment as an inpatient, Jennifer discovered Daffodil Place.
“[When I was a guest at Daffodil Place], I never felt alone,” says Jennifer. “Everyone was so caring, and we treated each other as family. We leaned on each other during tough times and celebrated when someone finished their treatment.”
She can’t imagine what her journey would have looked like without the support of Daffodil Place. “I spent 6 months at Daffodil Place – it became my home away from home.”
“Daffodil Place is a home – a comforting place for those going through the most challenging time of their lives. It’s a home with built-in supports of every kind, from car rides to and from appointments, meals and friendship with those who are going through a similar journey.”
“Volunteering here has changed my life and my perspective on a lot of things. To see a woman come in, try on a wig and see herself again is a really powerful thing. And to see the laughter come back into their eyes – it’s priceless.”
We are accepting donations online and only over the phone during our
24-hour radiothon. All donations support the Daffodil Place lodge.
