American Cancer Society flower sale celebrates 35 years

The American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days is returning to the Western New York community bringing gifts of hope and support to local cancer patients.

Daffodil Days celebrates the society's mission to eliminate cancer as a life-threatening disease by offering daffodils to donors in appreciation of their contributions.

According to the society, the program, which got its start in Western New York, is expected to raise $250,000 locally to support the fight against cancer.

"Although Daffodil Days involves offering daffodils to people in appreciation for their contributions, it is more than just giving beautiful flowers - it is everyone's opportunity to share hope for a world free of cancer," said Gretchen Leffler, Western New York regional vice president for the American Cancer Society. "We know that winning the fight against cancer starts right here in our community."

The daffodil is the first flower of spring and the American Cancer Society's symbol of hope for a world without cancer, according to a press release from the society.

A bouquet of 10 daffodils is available for a donation of $10.

This year also marks the addition of Bea R. Hope, a special Boyds Bear designed exclusively for the 2008 Daffodil Days Bear and a Bunc, which is available for $25

Dollars raised through Daffodil Days enable the society to offer free programs and services that help people fight cancer with courage and optimism, while providing physical and emotional support to ease the cancer experience, according to the society.

Such resources available to Western New Yorkers include:

• Transportation assistance to and from treatment.

• A free program dedicated to teaching women techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during cancer treatment.

• A free wig for women undergoing cancer treatment.

• A series of online educational classes for people with cancer and their loved ones.

Daffodil contributions provide the society with much-needed dollars to fund groundbreaking cancer research. Since 1946, ACS has awarded more than 355 grants totaling $34,762,736 to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Additionally, money raised through daffodil contributions educate people about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection and advocate for meaningful public health policies that benefit the community.

"Only with community support can the Society continue its lifesaving work to help those touched by cancer, empower people to fight back against the disease and save more lives," according to the society.

The last day to order daffodils is Friday, Feb. 22; daffodils will be delivered the week of March 10.

For more information about Daffodil Days, to request flowers, or to get involved with the program, contact JoAnn Harig by calling 689-6982, ext. 119 or e-mail joann.harig@cancer.org.