The American Cancer Society Daffodil Days campaign is scheduled to begin the week of March 15, with this year’s goal set at raising $4 million for the fight against cancer.
During this time, volunteers will distribute thousands of daffodils to homes, offices, hospitals, churches, synagogues and schools across the state, raising funds for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services.
The daffodil is the first flower of spring, and for millions of those affected by cancer, it also symbolizes the hope that one day cancer will be defeated.
Donations for daffodils are $7 for a bunch of 10 flowers and will be delivered during the week of March 15. Daffodils will also be available for individual purchase at sites throughout the state during Daffodil Days.
The program began in Pennsylvania in 1973 and celebrates its 31st anniversary this year. As of January 1, 2004, over $27 million in research grants were funded at institutions throughout the state because of the money raised over the years.
Because of programs like Daffodil Days, the American Cancer Society can offer help to those affected by cancer 24 hours a day, seven days a week through its National Cancer Information Center.
The American Cancer Society is also fortunate to have UPS, Inc., as its statewide sponsor for an eleventh year. UPS has delivered 14,350 boxes of daffodils, totaling 7,175,000 individual flowers throughout the years.
According to its press release, The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
In other American Cancer Society news, March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the press release, Colorectal Cancer is preventable through screening. If an individual or someone they love is over 50, contact the American Cancer Society to learn more.
Call the local office of the American Cancer Society or 1-800-ACS-2345 for information on direct sale sites, other locally available products and volunteer opportunities or visit the web site at www.cancer.org.
