Ah, another wonderful contribution to our series entitled “Women Who Make A Difference”!  We have been scouring the SWGA area for women in all walks of life who contribute to their communities in politics, health, education, social services and other areas.

This has been, and continues to be, a project that has become an important part of my own personal growth and encouragement. Finding and talking to women who challenge and encourage us to be our best; to be more than we think we can be…well, I just hope that in today’s piece, you, too, find inspiration to touch the lives of those around you for the better!

“Follow your passion and success will find you.  Most young women know what they like and what they find interesting, what makes them feel good about themselves and gives them satisfaction.  It’s important to move toward or into (something) that aligns with that passion and interest…  By always taking steps in the direction of your passion, you will achieve … satisfaction…”

These comments, made by the ebullient Diane Fletcher, were words of advice directed to young women entering the business world, but they could also answer the question “How can I find a way to serve people in my life?” 

Mrs. Fletcher, the first and current CEO of the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia, comes from a long history and practice of serving the people who come into her life.  Born into a large immediate family of 5 siblings, and countless extended family, she has wonderful memories of fun while learning important life skills.  From how to play Pinochle, roast a pig in an outdoor pit, and make homemade wine, to developing a spirit of helpfulness and ability to “walk in another’s shoes”…all these were instrumental in shaping her outlook on and approach to life.

 “Just…DO It!”

Think Nike has the handle on that slogan?  Way before they had the foresight to trademark the saying, Diane was living that lesson out, as taught by her own mother Florence, whom Diane called “Florence Nightingale reincarnated.”  This lesson has been passed on to her own 2 children, now both grown and married.

Even during the gentle years of toddlerhood, Mrs Fletcher would encourage her brood in the playground to empathize with a crying a child, or reach out to a handicapped or disabled youngster with a kind word or a hand.  She continues, “…they would go with me to drop off a dinner or help me mail a card.  My kids went with me to visit my grandmothers in a nursing home…and saw how happy their visits made the residents.  My husband Keith also regularly helped family, friends and neighbors with moving, big projects and other needs.  (So) they came to understand and embrace that helping others is just how you ARE, and how everyone should naturally be.”  And she is thrilled to see that her son and daughter-in-law are keeping this legacy of care and service alive in the way they are raising their own 4-year-old son.

Her early training and experiences in nursing were gratifying and steeled her resolve to maintain as much one-on-one service as she could in both her personal and professional life.  This local, personal affect was one of the things that attracted her to accept the offer from the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia to fill the position of first CEO in 2005, after the group conducted a nation-wide search.

“What makes the Cancer Coalition different,” she explains, “is that we are 100% local.  That means that all of our programs and services are just for the people of our 32-county community, and every penny donated stays right here to help all or our families, friends and neighbors.  (This) means we can directly improve the health for the residents of our communities.”  In our continuing conversation, she describes a lengthy list of work done in, for example, the Miller, Early and Lee County schools, to diminish tobacco use; the important work of the Community cancer Screening Program; the financial assistance made to the Cancer Patient Assistance Program to help with essential needs, and research to help diminish obesity in the area.  All these programs funded by and directly helping our own families and neighbors! 

Her vision for the future?  Not too big… Only…”to have stronger families, a more-productive workforce, lives that are more fulfilling and less stressful, and communities with less disparity and more harmony.”  Sound like a tall order?

Perhaps, but as Mrs, Fletcher points out “My hope is for everyone who is concerned about cancer here, who is part of the South/Southwest Georgia region, to support the work of the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia.  We need the people who live here, the people we serve every day, the businesses and churches and families here…so we can continue to fight cancer right here….working with the extraordinary staff members and board members of the Cancer Coalition.” 

In other words…working together, the impossible can become a reality!