The cherry blossoms dotting the county with pink flowers are more than just a sign of spring ? they are a recognition of cancer awareness.
“It gives people a visual reminder of being aware of cancer-prevention programs,” said Victoria Goodman, executive director of the county?s Blossoms of Hope.
On Saturday, Blossoms of Hope will celebrate the planting of 1,000 cherry trees in the county at an event dubbed Cherrybration, which Comcast sponsored.
The trees beautify the county and raise money, as individuals and businesses can sponsor them, Goodman said.
The proceeds from the trees benefit the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center, and the center will receive a $20,000 donation Saturday, she said.
Saturday?s event also will include an interactive art project for the cancer center and a finale of a Lanterns of Hope lighting procession.
The cherry blossoms also boost county tourism, by giving people another reason to visit, said Rachelina Bonacci, executive director of the Howard tourism office.
Cherrybration may become an annual lure for visitors, and it could move to different locations to highlight the county?s landmarks, she said.
“We really think we can grow this to be our signature event for the county,” she said.
For County Executive Ken Ulman, cancer awareness hits home. Three of his close family members are cancer survivors. His mother just finished her last radiation treatment for breast cancer, his father survived prostate cancer and his brother is a three-time cancer survivor who runs the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Still, he considers his family was “blessed because of early detection and screening.”
“Cancer affects all of our lives in one way or another,” he said, adding the blossoms help get the word out for people to get screened for cancer.
