A daffodil can change a person’s life. For the American Cancer Society, this has become their goal. There were 1,596,670 new cases of cancer in 2011, which could include students, faculty, staff, friends and family of California State University, Stanislaus.
The American Cancer Society has dedicated the months of January, February and March as Daffodil Days, in which they will be raising funds for cancer research, education, early detection efforts, advocacy, and patient services.
“I haven’t been affected directly by [cancer], but [Daffodil Days] is my small way of giving back,” Kathleen Hidalgo, Chair Building Representative of Daffodil Days for CSU Stanislaus, said.
Daffodils were chosen to be sold because they are one of the first flowers of spring. This beautiful, simple, yellow flower has come to symbolize hope for cancer patients. 
So how can we as students help?
Until Feb. 22, you can purchase five different packages in which all the proceeds will go towards the American Cancer Society and its efforts to end cancer: Bouquet ($10) – 10 daffodils; Sunshine ($20) – 10 daffodils featured in a clear glass, 7-inch vase; Vision ($35) – 2 bouquets of daffodils in clear glass, 8 inch vases; the Gift of Hope (minimum donation of $25) – bouquets of daffodils will be delivered anonymously to cancer patients in hospitals, medical centers and doctor’s offices; the Bear of Hope (minimum donation of $25) – a limited edition Boyds Bear will be sent to children in the community who are receiving cancer care.
If you are interested in donating to this important and beneficial cause, you can order your daffodils from Kathleen Hidalgo (DBH 348), Cathy Lanzon (C 118), Tula Mattingly (L 195), Loretta Blakeley (L 105), Gaby Cervantes (MSR 180), Susie Fitzgerald (MSR 290), Filomena Wojciechowski (MSR 320G), Christi Jantz (N 261), or Angie Raposo (CY 600).
“I know that money is tight and we haven’t been able to donate as much the past few years, but every little bit helps,” Hidalgo said.
The Delta Phi Gamma sorority will be delivering these daffodils on campus Mar. 20-21.
If you personally would like to learn about getting involved with Daffodil Days in your community, contact the California Cancer Society Daffodil Days Hotline at (877) 642-4982 and join the more than 5,000 organizations that help raise these much-needed funds.
Give daffodils. Give hope.