Skip to main content

Now's the time to order daffodils to fight cancer

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College's annual daffodil sale to benefit the American Cancer Society is now under way and runs until March 12. Daffodil orders will be taken through March 11 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Forum at the Batavia Campus.

There are three different bouquets to choose from: a potted daffodil plant for $10; fresh cut daffodils (10 per bunch) for $10; and a Bear and a Bunch (10 per bunch with a 2010 limited edition Boyd's Bear) for $25. Orders will be delivered the week of March 22.

This year's helpers for Daffodil Days includes an alumnus and cancer patient, Suzanne Smith, who graduated in May with a Travel and Tourism degree and was diagnosed with cancer this past fall.

"On the day I graduated, I was healthy. In November 2009, I was diagnosed with myeloma," Smith said. "That is how quickly cancer can change one's life."

At Smith's graduation, when she walked across the stage to receive her diploma, she had a slight back pain. Later she enrolled in Empire State College to complete a bachelor's degree. But during the summer her back pain increased to the point where she couldn't even walk. Doctors could not find anything until around Thanksgiving when she was diagnosed with myeloma, a rare form of cancer. She began radiation treatments and now hopes to be the "voice" that encourages people to support the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days.

The campaign is one of the cancer society's oldest and most beloved fundraising programs. As the first flower of spring, the daffodil represents hope and renewal. Each spring, the society offers daffodils to donors in appreciation for a contribution. By ordering bunches of daffodils for friends, family members and people touched by cancer, donors share a message of hope as they raise funds and awareness to defeat cancer.

All daffodil orders and payments are due by March 12. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted. For further information or to place an order please contact Valerie Hale at 343-0055 x6200 or vahale@genesee.edu <http://vahale@genesee.edu> , Berneda Scoins at 343-0055 x6270 or bjscoins@genesee.edu  <http://bjscoins@genesee.edu> and Jackie DiBella at 343-0055 x6255 or jedibella@genesee.edu <http://jedibella@genesee.edu>
 

Authentically Local