Each year it seems like it can't get better, but once again the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days fund-raiser exceeded the expectations of organizers in Casper. More than 3,500 bouqets of the fresh-cut yellow daffodils, 10 buds to a bunch, were distributed throughout the community in March, bringing a message of hope for cancer patients and a breath of spring to those who purchased the flowers.

The daffodil has been considered the American Cancer Society's "Flower of Hope" since the event first started in the United States in the 1970s and Casper has participated annually for the past 16 years.

This year's donations have exceeded $21,000, with the final total yet to be determined. Other than minimal expenses of paying for flowers and shipping, the funds raised will go as always to fight cancer through the American Cancer Society's many programs of research, education, advocacy and service to cancer patients.

The continued success is due to the hundreds of people who look forward each year to having daffodils in their homes and businesses and giving them to friends and family, patients and shut-ins.

Local organizers are also assisted in no small measure by generous businesses and volunteers, including Arrowhead Meat Processing and Storage, Midwest Motor Express, Keefe's Flowers, The Flower Gallery, Grant Street Grocery, Party America and CopyMax.

Much credit is also given to the assistance of news outlets, including the Casper Star-Tribune, Casper Journal, KCWY and KGWC television stations, K2 Radio/Clear Channel and KVOC/Rushmore Broadcasting.

Nearly 100 volunteers continue to be the backbone of the effort, especially the Casper Senior RSVPs, the Pink Ladies at Wyoming Medical Center and students in the Natrona County High School Honor Society and the CY Junior High School science class, as well as those who helped wrap and deliver the thousands of bouquets.

Contact the local American Cancer Society office at 577-4892 for information about local programs and services. For more information about cancer resources, call the toll free 24-hour call center at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the Web site at www.cancer.org.