South Georgia has some of the country’s highest rates of cancer and as well as deaths due to cancer. This probably doesn’t surprise you because most South Georgians have a personal story of how cancer has touched their lives. But did you know there is a local organization that is working to reduce the frightening – and very personal – impact of cancer in our area? 

“A big reason our death rates are so high is because cancer is too often found too late”, says Cancer Coalition CEO Diane Fletcher, “and finding cancer early is one way we are making a great difference.” Colorectal (colon and rectal), cervical and breast cancers are common in South Georgia and yet they can be found early through screening tests. The Cancer Coalition educates local men and women, helps them get the care they need, and covers the costs for those people who don’t have the means to pay for the tests. Since 2008, the Cancer Coalition’s Community Cancer Screening Program^TM has provided more than 3,000 lifesaving cancer screenings for local residents. Last year alone, 980 South Georgians received colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and of those, 520 had abnormalities that were taken care of. Imagine the relief that these families feel! 

The Cancer Coalition also reduces the life-threatening impact of tobacco on our youth and adults. “Lung and oral cancers continue to be widespread in our area”, says Denise Ballard, VP of Cancer Prevention and Control, “so we constantly work to reach and teach children and adults, change local policies and reduce the effects of these dangerous products.” In 2014, Lee County schools became 100% tobacco-free due to a Cancer Coalition initiative and we’re now working to make Terrell County schools tobacco-free. Only because of the Cancer Coalition, residents of Miller, Early and Lee Counties are now breathing easier in smoke-free air on their school campuses as well as in other community locations.

Much has been accomplished but much more needs to be done, and it’s only with your help that the Cancer Coalition can keep fighting cancer, right here.

To invite support for its mission, the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia’s second annual Dougherty/Lee County “Cancer STOMP” is underway. Businesses, families, schools, civic groups, religious groups and clubs are encouraged to form teams and be creative to raise funds for the Cancer Coalition’s services, education, research and outreach.  “We’re off to a great start with our 100-day fundraising campaign,” said Development Manager Melissa Goodin, “but to reach our goal, we need more individuals and teams to join us!” 

Cancer STOMP’s ending celebration, the Walk & Carnival, will be on Saturday, October 18 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm at Phoebe Meredyth Place grounds.  A one-mile reflective walk at 9:00 am will honor survivors and remember those lost to cancer. Teams and individuals may register at www.cancerSTOMP.com and with a $20 donation at registration; the participant will receive a t-shirt.  Honorarium and memorial signs also may be purchased online in advance, and will be placed along the walk route. Family-oriented carnival activities will begin at approximately 10:00 am. Wristbands will be available at the event for a $5 donation for each child 3 years old and up to play at all activities. 

“We want people to know that there is a local organization that is fighting cancer right here in our communities,” said Fletcher. “With the Cancer Coalition, you can be assured that 100% of your support will stay in South Georgia to help local people.”

“We sincerely thank the local business sponsors who have invested in creating a healthier South Georgia,” said Goodin. MillerCoors is Cancer STOMP’s 2014 Presenting Sponsor. Additional support comes from Proctor & Gamble, Albany Mitsubishi, Radiation Oncology, Fifth Friday Foundation, SB&T, Major’s Electric, Central Monitoring, AB&T, The Veranda, Longleaf Dental and other local businesses that are raising money and planning to be part of the carnival.

For more information about the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia, please visit www.sgacancer.org or call 229-312-1700.