DAFFODIL EVENT HAS SPECIAL MEANING FOR FAMILY.

Byline: Diana Peyton Community Columnist

The 15th annual American Cancer Society Daffodil Days have arrived. The yearly anniversary brings chairwoman Ann Stangl to the height of her passion about the program named after the ``flower of hope.''

``I have had two wonderful children. At the age of 15, my daughter was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Through the miracle of surgery, they (her doctors) were able to save her life,'' the Granada Hills resident said.

``But I also had a son who, just one year later, at the age of 19, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor,'' she continued. ``The odds of that happening, they tell me, were astronomical. . . . You see, they were both adopted children.''

Chris Stangl lost his fight against cancer 14 years ago. He was 22.

``You have to keep a positive attitude about this,'' Stangl said. ``My son always had a sense of humor about his illness,'' she added, tearfully.

``It's been a very slow process but the American Cancer Society was there for me,'' she said of her grieving.

Stangl, who works at Precision Dynamics, got involved with the Cancer Society after her son's death. Daughter Kelly Shea, 31, and granddaughter Casey Ann Shea, 8, work alongside Stangl on the event. Stangl says Casey Ann sells flowers to her Girl Scout friends.

``We are three generations now working on the Daffodil Days,'' the devoted volunteer said.

``This is absolutely the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, you see. . . . It's all about hope. We never, ever lost hope,'' said Stangl, whose favorite color is ``yellow, like the daffodil.''

Stangl and Shea hold a separate fund-raiser each year for friends of her son Chris to contribute to The American Cancer Society. ``They all come,'' Stangl said.

The nationwide health organization is dedicated to eliminating cancer through research advocacy and service.

Mr. B's Flowers in Winnetka will donate use of the flower shop for volunteers to assemble the bouquets at a ``wrap party'' the week before deliveries begin.

Orders are being taken for the week of March 20. The toll-free order line is 888-335-5868. Bouquets start at $10 and go up to $110 for corporate arrangements.

MOMS - THEY COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES, each with her own beauty.

National 1999 Mother of the Year Gail Williamson of North Hills will soon pass along her title to the 2000 winner.

While fulfilling her duties, she visited with women in other states, staying in their homes. ``I have had media appearances, but most important to me was the opportunity to be introduced to various women around the country, '' she said.

``It's interesting to know that a woman who lives on a working ranch cares about the same things I do. One thing is common among us - how concerned we all are for our children.

``Whatever their lifestyle, they are hospitable everywhere,'' she said.

The mother of sons Blair, 20, and Tim, 24, Williamson coordinates the Talent Development and Industry Relations Division for the Media Access Office, a nonprofit partnership of the state of California Employment Development Department and the California Governor's Committee for Employment of Disabled Persons.

Williamson's son Blair has Down syndrome. After he was featured in a national commercial, she said, she made it her mission ``to enable the entertainment and media industry to create positive role models for people with disabilities.''

Montrose resident Joanne Reeves is the California president of American Mothers Inc. She was the 1997 California State Mother.

The California Mothers Association is accepting candidates. One will be chosen as a State Mother to represent California nationally at the American Mothers National Convention in April. She will be selected for her involvement in her church and the community, and for her unselfish deeds and service to others.

Nominees must prepare a portfolio with information about themselves and their families.

Send nominations to the California State Search Chairman, Gloria McCord, 633 N. Meyer St., San Fernando, CA 91340. Or call [phone].