Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Blog #4 - Warms My Heart

CANCER. Even the word sounds like a hungry creature out to devour anything it comes in contact with. That’s how cancer is. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been touched by this disease in one way or another. We’ve lost wonderful people in our lives and we feel cheated by that.

The American Cancer Society has many activities that work to raise funds for research to combat this disease. Because I’ve been affected by cancer so many times, I support many in one way or another. There is the relay for life in the summer and right now Daffodil Days is under way . Across the country volunteers are selling various packages of this beautiful yellow flower that show hope and brightness for renewing our spirits.

This article in the Valley City Times Record shows how the community and the local high school are working to promote and sell daffodils. It warms my heart to see people of all ages working toward a common goal. From small town to major cities, come March 26, you’ll see yellow everywhere. When I did a search in the Online Fargo Forum there were many articles about Daffodil days. So I went further. It was tough to find articles specifically on this fund raiser, but they are out there. Not only is it a great cause, but we are united as a nation by this cause. We are all affected which makes it easy to get involved.

It’s so heartwarming to see that even though we struggle with so many things in our country that we can come together when the cause is right. I saw that with President Obama’s inauguration. We know what needs to be done and American’s join together to do what’s right. Even many people who were not Obama supporters during the campaign put their differences aside and rose for the celebration that made history before our eyes.

Volunteering is an necessity that cannot be lost in our society. There are people in need of our help everywhere. Daffodil Days is just one that I encourage you to become a part of. It might just be buying a bunch. Or it might be asking others to buy a bunch. Check it out – I have signup sheets at my desk if you are in Valley City. If not you probably don’t have to look far to find someone that can hook you up.

3 comments:

  1. I just had a friend who was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She is married and has two younger children. I met this friend last semester in one of my online courses and she confided in me what was happening. She just informed me today that she is cancer free. I cannot imagine what that would be like. We had to watch this movie called, "Wit". Have you seen that movie? If not I would suggest to watch it. It is a drama but stars Emma Thompson. In addition, it is is filmed more like a documentary. Sometimes I think it helps to talk to a total stranger. As weird as that sounds I think it is very true! I was not aware of Daffodil Days. After reading your article, I feel inclined to contact my friend regarding what you have mentioned. What an awesome thing to point out!

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  2. I completely agree with your comments on cancer. I lost both my grandparents on my mother's side to cancer so the thought is never far from my mind. It's great to hear about things like "Daffodil Days." I believe that one day all the time, money, and effort that has poured into cancer research will pay off. As people come together for this common goal hopefully lives will be changed and saved.

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  3. I agree volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and help those in need. When my daughter was growing up the parochial school that she attended required that she perform 60 hours of community volunteering per semester. This was great! She helped out at Big Brothers Big Sisters with what ever they needed done and her compassion for children grew.

    For those that can not donate their time fundraisers like daffodil days is a great way for others to support the cause/charity. Almost all non-profit groups have websites where you can find out more information about the organization and what needs they may have.

    I belong to the Junior League and they are a women’s organization that promotes volunteerism and assists over 10 charities with volunteers and financial needs.

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