While roses do get distributed among cancer patients, World Rose Day is observed to pay tribute to Melinda Rose, who was diagnosed with Askin’s Tumour, a rare form of blood cancer, when she was 12 years old. The Canadian patient got just six months to live, but during that period, she wrote poems, emails and letter– which have touched the hearts of many.

The letters and emails were written to those who were suffering from the disease, to bring joy in their lives.

World Rose Day celebrates Melinda’s undying spirit and is dedicated to all the patients who are battling the deadly disease.

The day also celebrates the caregivers of cancer patients, considering the effort they put in to provide a better life to the sufferers. Patients, their caregivers are offered roses, which are a sign of hope.

World Rose Day aims to bring in hope in their lives, encouraging them to fight against the disease, which has been claiming the lives of many since years. According to the World Health Organisation, one out of six deaths is due to cancer globally.

The day aims at attempting to initiate conversations regarding cancer, and ease the psychological toll that comes as a baggage.