Project Daffodil Program Teams Up with ETMC

Since 1997, Keep Tyler Beautiful has encouraged Tylerites to add dazzling spring color throughout the City with the purchase and planting of “Project Daffodil” bulbs.  This year the initiative takes on new meaning through collaboration with the East Texas Medical Center Cancer Institute, as well as the ETMC Auxiliary and ETMC Foundation.  As part of the collaboration, Keep Tyler Beautiful will continue its traditional pre-sale of the daffodil bulbs through order forms included in City of Tyler utility bills during the summer; the ETMC Auxiliary and other volunteers associated with the Cancer Institute will then provide sale of the bulbs themselves in the fall at ETMC locations.  All proceeds from those sales will benefit the ETMC Cancer Institute Remembrance Fund.  The fund benefits cancer programs, patients and outreach.

“For centuries the daffodil – one of the first signs of spring – has symbolized hope and life,” noted Todd Sigmon, ETMC vice president over the Cancer Institute.  “We have adopted this flower as a symbol for our organization and ETMC’s Cancer Institute Remembrance Fund, which supports our programs and patients.”

ETMC officials approached the City of Tyler and Keep Tyler Beautiful about combining efforts to enhance visibility of the traditional Project Daffodil program, while also supporting cancer care initiatives and celebrating cancer survivorship.

“Our board is thrilled to have this opportunity to work with ETMC and add the message of cancer awareness to Project Daffodil,” said Eloise Muxworthy, chairman of the Keep Tyler Beautiful board of directors.  “We know the program will continue to grow and benefit Tyler’s reputation as a spring garden center and the overall efforts of Keep Tyler Beautiful.”

In addition to daffodils planted throughout the city, the bright yellow flowers are now in bloom at the ETMC Cancer Institute and other areas of the ETMC campus, with more to be added each year. 

“The volunteers of the ETMC Auxiliary provide extensive fund-raising for the hospital, as well as active service on the campus,” explained Jacque Fowler, ETMC Volunteer Services manager.  “We are excited about this new opportunity to support the Cancer Institute and also to convey the message of hope that the daffodil symbolizes.” 

For more information on Project Daffodil, contact Kristi Boyett, special projects coordinator for the City of Tyler-Keep Tyler Beautiful, at 903-531-1348.  Further information on daffodil sales through Keep Tyler Beautiful and ETMC will be provided to the community this summer and fall.