World Rose Day is observed around the world on 22 September as a day dedicated to cancer patients. The day was adopted to show that there is hope and life for cancer patients and that the disease is curable.
Cancer is a deadly illness that has a huge impact on the patient’s entire well-being. The treatment is not only tedious for the patients but also difficult for the caregivers.
Hence, World Rose Day is observed every year to bring joy and hope to their lives and pay tribute to those who lost their lives to the disease and their families. On this day, we cheer the patients and make them realise that they are not alone in this battle.
World Rose Day - History
The day is celebrated in memory of Melinda Rose, a 12-year-old from Canada who was diagnosed with a rare kind of blood cancer - Askin's Tumour. The doctors had said Rose had just a few weeks, however, she didn’t give up on hope and survived for six months.
The girl spread hope and positivity among cancer patients by writing verses, letters and emails and sending them strength to fight the disease.
This day is celebrated by offering a rose to cancer patients as the flower is a symbol of care and tenderness.
Melinda’s kindness and strength during such a difficult time in her life had worked as an inspiration for many and therefore, was taken as a thought to observe such a day.
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World Rose Day - Significance
The battle with cancer is tiring and at times takes a toll on the patients and their families physical and mental health, thus, as a part of society, we need to bring joy and love in their lives and make them feel that they are accepted as they are.
People on World Rose Day give roses to cancer patients and the day is observed by spreading awareness about the disease, the causes and how early detection can cure them of the illness.
World Rose Day - Theme
The World Rose Day 2021 theme for this year is yet to be decided. In 2020, the day was marked by "Changing the Way We Look at Cancer."
How World Rose Day is Celebrated?
Melinda Rose penned poetry, letters, and emails for the cancer warriors around her and her only purpose was to keep the patients in the hospital bright, pleasant and lively. After she died, World Rose Day was named on her to commemorate the brave journey they graced.
In memory of Melinda, people send roses to cancer patients and caregivers to send their love and support and say they are not alone in this battle.
The day is also a tribute to those who have lost their lives to the brutal disease and the difficult journey they had.
While people send thoughtful gifts, cards to observe this day and special awareness programmes are organised by healthcare facilities and survivors to spread awareness amongst people about the illness.
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World Rose Day Quotes
"Cancer is a journey, but you walk the road alone. There are many places to stop along the way and get nourishment - you just have to be willing to take it." - Emily Hollenberg, cancer survivor
"The wish for healing has always been half of health." -Lucius Annaeus Seneca
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
"There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow." - Orison Swett Marden
World Rose Day Messages
- World Rose Day is celebrated to instil hope, confidence, and joy in the minds of people who fight cancer. Today, let's spend some quality time with them and bring -happiness into their lives.
- If you look the way a child looks at the world, then everything is a miracle. On this Rose Day, wishing all the survivors a miraculous recovery.
- If you can look at your cancer just as a simple word, half your worries shall be taking a different direction. Happy World Rose Day!