2008 Relay for Life offers a time to celebrate, remember, and encourage Wilkes Countians and their battles against cancer
By Cathy Lanae

Tiffani Andrews

As we prepare for the 2008 Relay for Life, I want to update you on the inspiring stories of four of your Wilkes County neighbors, so that we can all celebrate, remember, and encourage those on this journey.

Relay for Life is a community event that:

l celebrates those on the cancer journey, both survivors and caregivers,

l remembers those lost to cancer, and

l encourages people to fight back by becoming an advocate in the fight against cancer.

Last year, I profiledfour members of our community who had fought courageous battles with cancer. Billy Cofer lost his battle in December of 2005. Frank Callaway passed away in July of 2007. Mattie Hanson and Tiffani Andrews, both breast cancer survivors, are doing exceptionally well. I provide here an update on all four of these amazing people and their cancer battles.

Billy Cofer battled lung cancer with dignity and courage for just nine short months. He lost his battle on December 22, 2005. His son, Ronnie Cofer, said, "During his illness, Dad and our entire family were comforted and strengthened by the support of the people of Wilkes County. The impact of their care and concern rests with us still as we adjust to life without Dad."

Frank Callaway

Frank Callaway won his battle with prostate cancer after a diagnosis eleven years prior. When I talked with Frank in March of last year, he said, "Life has been good and the Lord watches over me. I am slowing down a little, but I am doing all right." And then he smiled at me with that great big smile of his. Frank Callaway died on July 13, 2007 at the age of 82.

Mattie Hanson has completed her breast cancer treatments. Her scans report she is clear of disease. Her energy has returned. She is back to greeting people at J & J Cleaners in her usual gracious manner. Mattie is a volunteer with the Relay for Life Planning Committee. Helping identify cancer survivors and working on survivor activities gives Mattie a sense of satisfaction as she helps others on their cancer journey.

Tiffani Andrews has reached her five-year breast cancer checkpoint. She is cancer free. As many may recall, one of Tiffani's greatest fears after cancer treatment was that she would be unable to have children. The exciting news is that Tiffani is expecting her second child in June. As we go to press, Tiffani and Ashley are about to findout whether it is a boy or a girl. And big brother Ashton, almost 3, can hardly wait until the new baby arrives!

Mattie Hanson

The Relay for Life is all about recognizing and honoring those who have had a cancer diagnosis. Until you have heard those words, "It's cancer," you cannot imagine the emotional and psychological impact added to the physical impact of this disease. There are hundreds of strains of cancer. No two are alike just as no two patients are alike. No two persons accept the cancer treatments in the same way. Caregivers whether they are relatives, friends, physicians and nurses, or community all suffer with and support the person with a cancer diagnosis.

There are presently 130 cancer survivors listed on the roster in Washington-Wilkes. The American Cancer Society definesa survivor as anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis. During the next three months, these cancer survivors will be recognized and honored through Relay for Life.

Billy Cofer

The RFLPlanning committee is working to get all cancer survivors listed so that they can be included in survivor recognition activities. A special reception will be held Thursday, March 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Church of God on the Tignall Road. The reception is a social event to honor cancer survivors and their individual caregivers and to explain details of the Relay for Life.

Upcoming survivor events include a Survivor Dinner on May 1 and the Survivor Lap and Luminaria Service at the Relay for Life event, which is scheduled for May 2-3. Additional survivor activities are in the planning stages. Each survivor on our roster will receive invitations to these events. Anyone who is not presently listed as a survivor should fillout a survivor form and return it to the American Cancer Society or one of the local Relay for Life committee/ team members before March 6.

For more information contact Tena Blakey, Survivor Coordinator at 706/678-6321 or any Relay for Life member.

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