The Quad

Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: Features

As spring approaches, and for those dormant bulbs, which many planted just before the first frost, begin to blossom, there is one flower in particular that holds a special place in millions of hearts across the globe. That flower is the daffodil.

Known for flowering early, the daffodil, like many other spring flowers, adds to the vibrant colors of the season. The daffodil, however, offers a light of hope and promise unlike any other spring bloom.

In the 1950s the daffodil became a significant representation of the Canadian Cancer Society, thanks to a group of Toronto volunteers who neatly arranged the beautiful flowers as centerpieces on their tea tables. The daffodils brought such joy to those participants, both survivors and fighters for a cure, that in November of 2000, the Canadian Cancer Society launched a new logo, the quaint yet vibrant yellow daffodil.

This year during the month of February at West Chester University, order forms will begin to circulate in and around the campus, in hopes of far surpassing the number of flowers sent in past years. On March 26, those hopes will be distributed in the form of beautiful vivacious bunches of daffodils.

"West Chester University has been a participant of the Daffodil Days Campaign for many years," Maggie Tripp, director of the office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs, said. "We encourage residence halls and student groups to get involved."

Over the past three years, through student body and employee participation, orders have increased tremendously. Volunteers take orders in buildings and departments around campus and promote the event by making it more accessible to those interested in donating.

However, the Canadian Cancer Society is not the only organization with this brilliant symbol of hope tied to its name. The American Cancer Society is also accredited in the founding of Daffodil Days. It is the society's oldest and most beloved fundraising program.

"Daffodil Days has empowered people to make a difference in the fight against cancer by raising funds and awareness to help beat the disease, according to the American Cancer Society, ACS, Web site, www.cancer.org. Daffodil Days involves offering daffodils every spring to donors in appreciation for their contributions, but it is about more than just giving beautiful flowers - it is everyone's opportunity to share hope for a world free of cancer."

Last year alone, Pennsylvania raised more than $4 million during the Daffodil Days campaign. WCU assisted by raising $4,227. The American Cancer Society of Chester County recognized the university with a Gold Level Award.

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