I came into work on a Wednesday, after being out the previous two days with a nasty cold. My nose was chapped, and I was still tired from the cold medication I took the night before. But, when I got to my cubicle, I smiled. Waiting on my desk were beautiful, yellow daffodils. Not only did they brighten my mood, they seemed to brighten the whole office.
It wasn’t a complete surprise to see the blooms, though. The week before, I ordered them during that American Cancer Society Daffodil Days Fundraiser that my employer was participating in. Honestly if it wasn’t for the company I work for, and their commitment to giving back, I probably would have never known about Daffodil Days.
Because I was interested in learning more about the fundraiser, I contacted Stephanie Balesano, who works in media relations with the ACS.
Stephanie told me, “For more than 35 years the American Cancer Society has been saving lives by raising funds through its Daffodil Days campaign.” The funds that are raised enable the ACS to provide free programs and see for those fighting cancer. The money also goes towards cancer research, education, and advocating for public health policies.
Not only can you purchase these beautiful flowers for yourself (either a bouquet or a potted plant), you can also purchase Gifts of Hope. Stephanie Balesano writes, “Gifts of Hope include 10 daffodil flowers, symbolically known as the flower of hope, and given to cancer patients from anonymous donors.” The donor’s names are not attached to the bouquets, and the donor cannot choose the recipient. The Gift of Hope bouquets are delivered during late March or early April to treatment centers.
In Connecticut this year, the American Cancer Society delivered almost 4,000 bunches of daffodils, 1,000 potted plants to donors. I’m happy that a couple of those were delivered to me.
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