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ACS RELAY FOR LIFE SET MAY 4-5
He surely did not mind the early morning trip to the Atlanta Farmer's Market each day as traveling the roadways of the south had always been a familiar part of his life. Frank became known by many a Wilkes Countian as "the vegetable man." The freshest and best tasting fruits and vegetables in town could be found on Frank's yellow truck parked on the north end of the square. And if one piece was a little "puny," Frank would give you two or three to make up for it. "No charge," he would say. Dealing with Frank was always accompanied by his broad smile, some friendly banter and a big wave. As Frank says, "Lots of folks just stopped to talk and visit." He was a focal point on the square for years. In 1996, Frank had a blackout. Dr. David Kirk ran some tests and, suspecting something serious, referred Frank to a urologist in Athens. The diagnosis was prostate cancer. Frank took it in stride as he does everything. A treatment protocol was established. A port was installed in his arm. (With cancer, a port is used for the frequent blood draws or for infusion of drugs to avoid putting too much stress on the patient's veins.) One effective treatment for prostate cancer is implants that release the drugs into the body on a continuous basis. Implants have been successful in treating Frank's cancer. Eleven years later, he is doing well. His cancer is in remission. Physical examinations are performed every six months to monitor his condition. Two years ago Frank Callaway decided to end his successful second career of selling vegetables on the Square. The gas prices were getting higher. And his strength was declining. However, the significant turning point came when Frank lost his daughter, Peggy, who died suddenly of a stroke. Peggy, along with her sister and brother, had been a big help to her father in running the vegetable business. The business just was not the same without Peggy's presence. Frank suffers from some weakening in his legs, a result of long hard years in construction work, and he has a bit of a heart problem. But what would you expect from a man of 82 years who has lived life to the fullest! Frank Callaway has handled his travel with cancer like the travel of his life, with cheerfulness, joy and love of the people around him. He still greets everyone with that great big smile and friendly wave. In 2006, there were 5,490 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Georgia. Development of the PSA, the screening and early detection test for prostate cancer, was funded by the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society contributes $130 million in cancer research funds annually.
Relay for Life is the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. Frank Callaway will be escorted around the track in the Survivor's Lap at the kick off of the Relay For Life on May 4 at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to come out and give their hometown support to Frank and all the other survivors.
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