Sale of daffodils to benefit American Cancer Society

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – People in the Presque Isle area are looking forward to receiving bouquets of daffodils from friends, co-workers or loved ones who are participating in the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days campaign.
    For more than 30 years, Daffodil Days has enabled individuals, small businesses, corporations, schools, faith-based groups, and other community organizations to join the Society’s fight against cancer by raising money and sharing hope for a future without cancer. If you have forgotten to order your daffodils in advance, local Hannaford Supermarkets will be selling bouquets of 10 fresh daffodils from March 19 to March 23 (or while supplies last) for a $7 donation. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
Area businesses, schools, and civic organizations became involved with American Cancer Society Daffodil Days by pre-selling flowers. Many also purchased flowers that will be donated to local hospitals and health care facilities. Sponsors include Hannaford Supermarkets and FedEx.
“It’s amazing how the Aroostook County community has embraced Daffodil Days over the years,” said Marie Roberge, community executive for the American Cancer Society. “Every day, the American Cancer Society comes one step closer to eliminating cancer. Daffodil Days is an important part of furthering our mission.”
Funds raised during Daffodil Days support the American Cancer Society’s many programs and services in the Presque Isle area such as Road to Recovery, Look Good…Feel Better, Reach to Recovery, and Man to Man. They also help the Society continue with its groundbreaking research efforts by funding projects at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor. In addition, funds raised help support the Society’s 24-hour, toll-free information line, 800-ACS-2345, and Web site, www.cancer.org.
As the first month of spring, March is also National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer is the third most common cause of cancer and cancer death in both men and women, and is the rare case in which testing can actually prevent the disease. In 2007, it is estimated that approximately 800 Maine people will be diagnosed with colon cancer and about 300 will die from the disease. Sending a bouquet of daffodils to someone 50 or older is a great way to remind them to talk with their health care provider about colon cancer screenings, which can help stop colon cancer before it starts.
For more information about colon cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345, or visit www.cancer.org.