Published Friday, February 21, 2003
By Erin Palko
Herald Staff Writer
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll was one of the special guests at the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days kickoff dinner Thursday, and she was joined by many other honored guests: cancer survivors.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Daffodil Days in Pennsylvania. The daffodil, the first flower of spring, symbolizes hope and rebirth, and daffodil sales by the American Cancer Society each year help to raise money for cancer research and education.
The dinner was held at the Radisson Hotel of Sharon in Shenango Township.
Ms. Knoll, former state treasurer and the first female lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania, said she was reminded recently how fragile life can be, when she attended the funeral of a 36-year-old state trooper in Venango County who was killed in the line of duty.
"I know how life can be turned upside down in one instant," she said.
She said she views cancer as a "vicious monster" that tries to steal lives. She used the word "tries" because of the advances made in cancer treatment.
"Through the tremendous efforts of the American Cancer Society and individuals like you across the Commonwealth, across the country, we're working to win this battle through education, research and treatment," she said.
Ms. Knoll then recognized "veterans of the war" who attended the dinner and invited them to Harrisburg as guests of her and Gov. Ed Rendell.
"I admire you, I respect you and I will keep you in my prayers," she said.
One of the cancer survivors at the dinner was 16-year-old Jamie Russell of Jamestown. In 1997, Jamie was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in her back. After surgery and rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, Jamie's cancer has been in remission for six years.
Her personal experience led her to help others. She's now a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and is president of the Relay for Life club at her high school. Relay for Life, usually held in the summer, also raises money for the American Cancer Society.
"There's a lot of people affected by (cancer). I wanted to get involved in it and I wanted to make a difference," Jamie said.
Last year the Daffodil Days campaign raised $31,000 for the Mercer County unit, a 33 percent increase over the previous year, said county Commissioner Olivia Lazor, who is chairing the Daffodil Days campaign. This year's goal is $35,000.
"I'm confident this will be another record-breaking year," Mrs. Lazor said.
In 2003, 1.2 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer and 500,000 will die; 69,000 people in Pennsylvania will be diagnosed and 29,000 will die.
"These statistics are why we sell daffodils," Mrs. Lazor said.
Money raised from daffodil sales has led to the discovery of combined chemotherapies to treat childhood cancers, the mammogram, tests to find prostate cancer and drugs such as the breast-cancer fighter Tamoxifen, to name a few accomplishments.
The evening ended with a candle ceremony honoring lives touched by cancer.
The 2003 Daffodil Days committee includes Ann Coleman, Teresa Cave, Carol Gurerra, Sue Stevenson, Cynthia Hall, Dr. George Garrow and Mary Rowlands. Sponsors include McGonigle Funeral Home and McGonigle Ambulance Service, Sharon; Armstrong Cable Services, Grove City; and Dr. Peter Daloni, Sharon.
Daffodils are $7 for a bouquet of 10, $16 for a "Blooming Crazy" bouquet and $25 for a "Bunny and a Bunch." Volunteers are needed to help with flower preparation, delivery and staffing direct sales sites the week of March 17.
To order flowers or to volunteer, call the American Cancer Society Mercer County Unit at (724) 346-3529.