Rural Albert Lea resident Judy Olson is an optimistic person.

While some people would give up after finding out they’re dealing with their third bout of cancer, Olson, 67, is doing just the opposite.

“I’ve realized every day is a gift you have,” she said. “I’m trying to stay positive and strong.”

Her optimism and upbeat attitude are what’s represented in the American Cancer Society’s symbol of hope in the fight against cancer: the daffodil.

Bunches of the flower will begin going on sale starting Thursday at various locations around town as part of Freeborn County’s annual Daffodil Days.

All money raised goes to support cancer research.

 

Her story

Olson said her first bout of cancer came when she was 3 months old and had retina blastoma. She was treated in Rochester at the Mayo Clinic.

Doctors told her parents that in five years if the cancer never came back, she’d be good for the rest of her life.

A majority of her life was cancer-free, until in 2010, she found out she had breast cancer. She endured chemotherapy treatments and 30 radiation treatments in Albert Lea. Now, the cancer is “visiting” her abdomen, and she’s starting a new round of treatments.

“There’s been days when it’s really tough,” she said. “I’ve never been mad about it, but I do have the question, ‘Why do I have it again?’”

Olson said she is taking part in an anti-estrogen therapy. If that doesn’t work, she will have to take chemotherapy pills.

“I’m trying to stay positive,” she said. “It’s tough, but I can do it again.”

She said she’s thankful for her faith in God and her family and friends.

When she battled breast cancer she received more than 300 cards in the mail.

She encouraged people to participate in Freeborn County’s Daffodil Days.

“I don’t think there’s a family here that doesn’t have somebody or know somebody who’s battling cancer,” Olson said.

She said the yellow of the daffodils brightens her day and brings hope that someday soon there may be a cure for cancer.

 

Want daffodils?

On Thursday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., bunches of the flower will be available at the gift shop at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

On Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. they will be for sale at Hy-Vee and Nelson’s Market Place.

Daffodils are $10 per bunch. A specially designed Boyds Bear, called a Bear and a Bunch, costs $25, and a group of daffodils in a pot is $15.

Donations will also be accepted.