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For cancer patients, bouquets indicate both spring and hope
Bright yellow flowers help raise money for cancer research
By Michele Leung
Bill Brereton doesn't have anything against groundhogs, but he'd rather depend on daffodils to tell him spring's just around the corner.
Longtime Willow Glen resident Brereton is this year's co-chairman for the American Cancer Society's 14th Annual Daffodil Days for Silicon Valley. This fundraiser uses the first flower of spring to raise money for cancer research. The most popular bouquet, Gifts of Hope, are purchased by donors and anonymously delivered to cancer patients at local health-care facilities.
Brereton's involvement stems from seeing the effects of cancer up close. Jane, his wife of 34 years and who also was a Bible study leader, succumbed to breast cancer in 1994 after fighting the disease for nine years. While it was painful for Brereton to lose her, he says it was a relief nonetheless. "The cancer went to her lungs and her brain so [her death] was a blessing at that point. She made peace with her maker and was ready to go," he says.
Brereton's spirits gradually recovered, and three years ago he remarried, to wife Sheryl. "[Jane] knew her well, and we were godparents to [Sheryl's] children. Now I'm their stepfather."
Working on the Daffodil Days campaign has been a husband-and-wife activity. The co-chair oversees the marketing and the corporate sponsors, while his counterpart is in charge of ordering all the bouquets. "Working with him is not a problem," says Sheryl. "I work with him in the office so we worked out those kinks a long time ago."
Serving as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society is dear to Brereton's heart. He remembers what an essential resource the organization was for him when his late wife was diagnosed. "When you find out that you have cancer, you need to make decisions fast. Do you want a mastectomy or a lumpectomy and radiation?" he says. "We were not well-informed. So we got lots of information and brochures at the American Cancer Society as to what we ought to do."
An investment banker by day and a family man by night, Brereton is still able to give the flower sales his all. Co-workers on the fundraiser appreciate his enthusiasm and the knowledge he brings to the endeavor. "He's done a great job," says Cory Reding, American Cancer Society employee. "Being male, he knew many people in the industry that many females here don't know."
According to Tamara Yankelitis, Daffodil Days coordinator, Brereton helped generate $8,000 in cash sponsorships, the first time Daffodil Days has had such sponsorships. "He completely believes in helping no matter what," she said.
The fundraiser also counts on the help of Silicon Valley representatives, whose companies have agreed to participate in the flower sales. Community liaisons like Patti Tarantino, executive director at Xilinx of San Jose, coordinate the orders from office mates who want to buy bouquets. Tarantino, whose brother died of liver cancer, has been pleased with the response from her co-workers. She has seen support grow from $200 in 1994 to $3,000 in sales and $2,000 in company donations last year. "This is not a difficult job. It's not a burdensome job at all," she says. The campaign has enlisted the help of 951 companies in the area.
Last year's Daffodil Days raised $3.3 million in California. Out of every dollar raised from selling bouquets, 74 cents goes to research, patient services and advocacy programs. Brereton, a tireless cheerleader, hopes that this year's sales will be just as successful. "Daffodil Days is a win-win program. What better way to support the American Cancer Society than with a money donation and receive gorgeous daffodils?"
Daffodil orders will be taken until March 10. Bouquets will be delivered on March 27 and 28. To find out more about Daffodil Days or to place an order, call the Silicon Valley office of the American Cancer Society at 408.879.1032, ext 150.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
