American Cancer Society taking orders for daffodils through Friday

Nearly 560,000 people in the United States are expected to die from cancer this year, according to 2007 statistics from the American Cancer Society. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States but maintaining healthy lifestyles and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking and eating poorly can prevent it. \nFundraising events are often implemented to help defray cancer patients’ medical costs. Cancer costs $263.3 billion annually, according to the National Institutes of Health.\nBecause March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society provides fresh-cut daffodils and is selling them on campus this year. The 34th annual Daffodil Days campaign to benefit the American Cancer Society is currently in full bloom. It is one of the oldest fundraising programs of the society. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to further its goals of research, education, advocacy and service. \n“This is actually the first year we’ve been able to focus our efforts on Indiana University,” said Andrea Curtis of the American Cancer Society. “We’ve always done a Monroe County portion, but never IU. Our goal for the entire Monroe County portion this year is $4,000.”\nAccording to its Web site, the American Cancer Society is the nation’s largest private, nonprofit fund-raiser for the study of cancer. The society aims to diminish cancer’s negative impact on society’s health. Some of its services that guide patients through their battles with cancer include Look Good...Feel Better and wig banks. Fundraisers that benefit the American Cancer Society include Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Relay For Life, Flowers for the Fight and Mosaic of Memories. \nThe sooner a person is diagnosed with cancer, the sooner treatment can begin and the better the chance of survival. Many treatments are currently available, including biologic therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. \nThis year the society will be taking orders for daffodils through Friday. Students can help support the effort by purchasing $10 bunches of 10 daffodils, which are also available in vases for $15. The flowers will arrive on campus March 19-20. \nStudent organizations interested in helping should contact Julie Kaufman , Daffodil Days chairwoman. To get involved or to purchase daffodils, call the American Cancer Society at 336-8423 or toll-free at 888-635-9254.