The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia held a Luncheon for Hope last week in downtown Valdosta. The purpose of the luncheon was to bring Lowndes county area business and community leaders together to hear about the Coalition’s work in the community in response to the high rates of cancer throughout South Georgia. Distinguished guests included Mayor John Gayle, State Representative Dexter Sharper, Valdosta State University President William McKinney, and leadership from South Georgia Medical Center, Georgia Power, the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, and Langdale Industries, among others. 

The luncheon program featured speakers key to the Coalition’s mission and efforts in Valdosta. Diane Fletcher, CEO of the Cancer Coalition shared statistics about cancer rates in Lowndes County. “Of 159 counties in the state, our community has the sixth highest overall cancer incidence rate.  It isn’t your imagination that cancer rates are high here,” Fletcher said, “That’s why the Cancer Coalition has been working in Lowndes County for over a decade and our work continues to grow.”

Fletcher thanked South Georgia Medical Center for sponsoring the Luncheon and lauded the close partnership between SGMC and the Cancer Coalition. Other speakers included Dr. John Devine, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at SGMC; Mark Wilson, Cancer Coalition Board Member and Vice President of Langdale Industries; and James McGahee, Retired CEO of SGMC and Development Officer at First State Bank. 

Casey Perkins, Communications Coordinator for the Cancer Coalition shared about the Coalition’s programs and initiatives underway in Lowndes County. These include a Cancer Survivorship Study, workforce wellness partnerships with Langdale Industries and other businesses as well as school tobacco-use studies and cessation initiatives. Perkins encouraged the Luncheon guests to get involved with sharing the message and work of the Cancer Coalition. “Please like our page on Facebook and share the stories of hope that you see there,” Perkins said, “please also participate in our current Cancer Survivor Survey on our website (www.sgacancer.org) or share with a survivor that you know.”

The final portion of the Luncheon focused on an upcoming Lowndes County event called Night for Hope. In November, the Cancer Coalition will hold its inaugural fundraising gala with cancer survivor James McGahee as the event honoree. Businesses and organizations will have the opportunity to partner with the Cancer Coalition to sponsor the event, provide auction items and attend this formal evening of community fun. Coalition Development Manager Melissa Goodin said, “Night for Hope promises to be a great evening and a wonderful opportunity for the community to join us, knowing that 100% of the proceeds raised will stay right here in our area to help the local fight against cancer.”

For more information about the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia’s work in Valdosta and Lowndes County, to make a donation or to volunteer, please visit www.sgacancer.org.