Fort Dodge Area Daffodil Days Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society

Posting by Ryan Paschke, February 2nd, 2010
The 2010 Daffodil Days is now well under way. On January 16th Liddy Hora met with local volunteers at Tea Thyme to discuss the process of selling daffodils to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. At the event, the group relaxed as they sipped drinks and enjoyed various desserts. Liddy, who is the Community Relations Representative for the Iowa Region, emphasized that the base of the society comes from volunteers like those around the room.

According to the American Cancer Society, "Daffodil Days is one of the American Cancer Society's oldest and most beloved fundraising programs. As the first flower of spring, the daffodil represents hope and renewal. To the American Cancer Society, the daffodil symbolizes the hope we all share for a future where cancer no longer threatens those we love.

Each spring, the Society offers daffodils to donors in appreciation for a contribution. By sending bunches of daffodils to friends, family members, and people touched by cancer, you are sharing a message of hope and raising funds and awareness to help defeat cancer."

This year's co-chairs for Daffodil Days are Karen Wood and Cheryl Lychwick of Fort Dodge. Both are very passionate about raising funds to support cancer research. Cheryl herself is a survivor or breast cancer and personally represents the enjoyment of life after cancer.

Just like Cheryl, Karen Wood cares deeply about cancer research as well. Her youngest brother is a survivor of a rare form of cancer that spread from his skin and astonishingly into his lungs. According to Karen, if it wasn't for the research that the American Cancer Society had done, he would not have been able to successfully go through radiation, chemo, and surgery. Her brother is now cancer free.

Cheryl, who is originally from Carroll, moved to Fort Dodge in 1978 where she now lives with her husband Dan, who she jokingly laughed and said is like her child. Cheryl has many reason to laugh and enjoy life after surviving breast cancer in 1998.

Shortly after, she became very involved in Dragon Boat Racing with her friends Linda and Tom Donner. Tom is a also survivor. At the meeting, Cheryl mentioned her love of being on the Breast Cancer Team and how Barb Michaels got her involved. As a strong supporter of the sport, she urges those who are survivors to get out there and be involved in order to be amongst people again and feel alive. According to studies, Dragon Boat Racing has proven to be therapeutic as the path of the stroke of the exercise has a profound effect on well-being.

From now until February 23rd, a range of daffodil products may be ordered from volunteer sales representatives in the community. Orders may also be placed at CS Bank, which is located at 130 N. 29th Street in Fort Dodge. CS Bank is a proud sponsor of this year's Daffodil Days and can be reached on the phone at 955-2265.

Other sponsors for this year's Daffodil Days include Tea Thyme at Sister Sadie's, Friendship Haven, The Cancer Center at Trinity Regional Medical Center, and Drs Eric and Carey Bligard.

• $10 for the Daffodil Bunch Bouquet (10 Fresh Cut Daffodils)
• $15 for the Daffodil Bunch in a Vase (10 Fresh Cut Daffodils)
• $15 for the Dainty Daffodils (Yellow Flowers on Dwarf Stems - Comes in a little pot for indoor use, and can easily be replanted outside.)
• $25 for the Gift of Hope (10 Fresh Cut Daffodils - These are delivered anonymously to cancer patients at local hospitals, hospice houses, treatment centers, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities.)
• $25 for the Boyd's Teddy Bear w/10 Fresh Cut Daffodils
• $25 to Donate a Boyd's Teddy Bear Anonymously (The bear will be given anonymously to a child going through cancer.)
• $75 for the Sunshine Bouquet (60 Fresh Cut Daffodils in a Round Vase - Great for a dinning room table, business lobby or office, or local church.)