FARMINGTON – Spring is coming early to Franklin County this year through the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days program. By purchasing bouquets of the first flowers of spring, people in Franklin County will give hope and help to cancer patients.

“I encourage everyone to help paint our community yellow with daffodils this spring to show our support for the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days and to help prevent cancer, save lives and diminish suffering from the disease,” said Ray Kautzman, community executive for the American Cancer Society. “Everyone from school children to corporate CEOs has the power to make a difference for cancer patients and their families. By giving daffodils, we also have the power to give hope.”

Fresh-cut daffodil bouquets are available for a donation of $7. For a donation of $20, people can also order the Gift of Hope – a bouquet of 10 daffodils given as an anonymous gift to cancer patients or others in need.

This year also marks the addition of Hugh R. Hope, the second in a series of special Boyds Bears designed for the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days. The Bear and a Bunch includes a 12-inch tall, plush, rust-colored, bean-filled bear with brown eyes and a denim cap, along with a bouquet of 10 daffodils that can be ordered for a donation of $25.

The last day to place an advance order is Wednesday, March 7; daffodil bouquets, Gift of Hope bouquets and Bear and a Bunch orders will be delivered in the Farmington area the week of March 19.

Funds raised through the Daffodil Days campaign will help the American Cancer Society fund cancer research, provide cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit the community and provide services that improve the quality of life for patients, their families and caregivers.

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 men and women. Sending a bouquet of daffodils to someone 50 or older is a way to remind them to talk to their health care provider about colon cancer screenings.

For more information about the Daffodil Days program or to place an order, contact Marie Roberge at 373-3701 or the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, anytime, day or night.