Pennsylvania's first lady shared her personal tie with cancer during the Mercer County chapter of the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days campaign luncheon Thursday and topped off her visit to the county by reading to school children.

Kathy Schweiker, wife of Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, was a featured guest, along with Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Robert Muscalus, at the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days luncheon at the Hickory VFW in Hermitage.

After the luncheon, Mrs. Schweiker and Muscalus dropped in on Artman Elementary School students, where Mrs. Schweiker read aloud to the children.

The honorary chair of the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days celebration, Mrs. Schweiker became involved with the American Cancer Society after her father was diagnosed with and died from lung cancer.

"Cancer is like no other disease. It touches everyone in a profound and life-altering way," Mrs. Schweiker said during her address to the Mercer County chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Last year, Pennsylvania alone raised more than $3 million through the Daffodil Days campaign. However, this year about 75,000 Pennsylvanians will be diagnosed with cancer, Mrs. Schweiker said.

"I know you will come away from this campaign feeling good about what you do," she said.

The money from the Daffodil Days campaign goes toward cancer research, treatment and education.

The daffodils don't just raise money; they raise awareness. Mrs. Schweiker said people who notice the flowers can be reminded of the work the American Cancer Society does, and they may even be inspired to make that doctor's appointment they may have been avoiding. "Daffodil Days not only raises money, but also encourages good health," Mrs. Schweiker said.

Mrs. Schweiker then proceeded to her story-telling session at Artman Elementary, where students presented her with a Wendell August Forge tray inscribed with her name and the date, "So I'll always remember this day," she said.

After Mrs. Schweiker's speech, Muscalus said that as physician general he encourages people to develop healthy habits such as regular exercise and a diet full of fruits and vegetables. Even simple measures like these can help reduce the risk of illness, including cancer, he said.

Muscalus also encourages regular screening exams, because early detection can lead to a higher survival rate.

"I want to encourage everyone here to continue to focus your efforts on supporting this great cause," Muscalus said, adding he wanted to commend the cancer survivors and their families for their "incredible courage."

Cancer survivor Samuel L. Ragusa, vice president of operations at CCL Container in Hermitage, also spoke about his experience. He was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia in 1998.

"Cancer research saved my life," Ragusa said. "It did two things. It allowed me to be a grandfather and it allowed me to plan. I know in four years I'm taking my wife on our 50th anniversary to Hawaii."

Ragusa also said that cancer patients need support.

"A lot of people feel you can't talk to cancer patients, that you're infringing on their privacy ... please be a friend. Support them," he said.

Mercer County Commissioner Olivia Lazor, chairman of the 2002 Daffodil Days campaign, said that the Mercer County Chapter of the American Cancer Society hopes to raise $25,000 this year with the Daffodil Days campaign with the goal of reducing deaths from cancer and finding a cure.

"Cancer is an equal opportunity disease. It does not discriminate by race, age or political persuasion," Mrs. Lazor said. "Today we're not here to focus on the bad news. We're here to tell you we're winning the war on cancer."