Hope Blooms 2015 Begins!

Gems of Hope is proud to announce the second annual Hope Blooms campaign. Hope Blooms, formerly known as the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days, provides The Corridor the opportunity to purchase daffodils for themselves or area cancer patients in treatment. Sales begin Monday, January 5, 2015 and product is delivered March 11, 2015.

Gems of Hope, Inc. supports cancer patients and their families. At the core of the programs is the “gifts of hope” distribution. Volunteers handcraft cards with inspirational sayings and mount handmade earrings or bookmarks, or a serenity circle to the card. The gifts are distributed in oncology clinics and hospitals throughout the corridor. Gems also offers a kids camp for ages 5-12 dealing with a cancer diagnosis, a web site for teens, a scholarship program for high school seniors and cancer libraries for schools. Proceeds from the Hope Blooms campaign go to support Gems and the great programs they offer.

Hope Blooms Committee Chair Beth Hammell commented, “We are pleased to be able to continue this great tradition of daffodil deliveries which offer a much needed sign of spring after what is sure to be a long winter. These flowers, and the gifts that are given to area cancer patients deliver a little happiness too, and hope, which fits so well with Gems and its mission.”

The 2015 Hope Blooms presenting sponsor is the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center. Other sponsors include; Mercy Medical Center, Van Meter, General Mills, The Ghosh Center, Radiation Oncology of Cedar Rapids, MedLabs, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, U of I Community Credit Union, and Clark’s Pharmacy. In kind service providers include Peck’s Flower Shop and Garden Center, J&A Printing, Kirkwood Horticultural Department, Tall Grass Business Resources, Lamar Advertising and The Gazette.