World Rose Day and Its Inspiring Origin

World Rose Day is observed every year on September 22. It is a special day dedicated to lifting the spirits of cancer patients by giving them roses.

September 22 is World Rose Day / Source: Pexels

The special day is observed in memory of Melinda Rose Hathaway from Canada, who was diagnosed on February 14, 1994 with Askin's Tumor, a rare form of blood cancer. She was only 12 years old at that time.

Melinda was only given weeks to live after her cancer diagnosis, but she went on to live until she was 15 years old and never lost hope of defeating the disease.

Melinda Rose Hathaway/ Source: https://www.monkey-boy.com/melinda/melinda9.html

She spent her remaining days living life to the fullest. Melinda insisted on going to school almost every day and even went to camp for a week and had a great time.

She also has a website where she showcased her poems and artworks, and also imparted important information and contacts for young cancer patients and their caregivers.

One of her final wishes was to keep the website going even after she's gone as part of her legacy to hurting children, their families, and their caregivers.

While fighting her own battle with cancer, Melinda also sent encouraging messages to fellow cancer patients to give them hope.

In essence, World Rose Day is simply about recreating Melinda's way of showing support and care for cancer patients.

Most cancer treatments have painful side effects and can also be psychologically and emotionally exhausting for the patient.

That's why it's important to help them stay optimistic all throughout their fight against cancer. Let them know that you are with them in this battle and never cease expressing your love and support.

And what better way to brighten someone's day than to give them a bouquet of beautiful fresh roses, right?

So, if you know someone who's fighting the big 'C,' don't forget to give them roses today.

Want more lifestyle content like this? Head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

You might also want to check out inspiring celebrity cancer survivors.