Wednesday, May 5, 2004

Fayette residents support Relay for Life Sheri Waynick is a survivor. In March 2000, the Fayetteville resident was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. After a year of chemotherapy, radiation and a lumpectomy at Fayette Community Hospital, Sheri’s cancer went into remission. She has been cancer-free ever since. “I thought there was no way I would be here,” Sheri said. “Now four years later, I am here and doing well.” Fayette Community Hospital is celebrating the triumph of cancer survivors like Sheri, while also remembering those who have lost their battles to cancer. In conjunction with the Fayette County chapter of the American Cancer Society, the hospital hosted the fifth annual Cancer Survivors’ Dinner last Sunday at the Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center. The dinner, themed “It’s a Small World,” honored about 200 local cancer survivors and guests. The celebration continues Friday with the Fayette County Relay for Life at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds. More than 100 teams have signed up for the relay and some 2,000 supporters and well-wishers are expected to camp out on the fairgrounds and cheer on the runners and walkers. Each lap that participants make around the track will net money for cancer research and education initiatives. Cancer survivors will take the first “victory” lap, and FCH staff members will walk the caregivers lap. “Fayette Community Hospital has a strong commitment to cancer survivors and the Relay for Life,” said hospital CEO Darrell Cutts. “We have a heartfelt personal commitment to our local cancer survivors who have become part of the Fayette Community Hospital family. Our staff enjoys the humbling experience of serving and celebrating these heroes of life.” Sheri not only wears the badge of breast cancer survivor, but she is also the community manager for the Fayette Cancer Society and rallies volunteers for events held throughout the county year round. The Cancer Survivors’ Dinner and Relay for Life hold special places in her heart. “We must never lose hope, and that’s what these events represent: hope for cancer survivors, families and those who’ve lost the battle," she said. “The money we are raising day by day, dollar by dollar, is going to help find a cure eventually.” For more information or to register for Relay for Life, call the local chapter of the American Cancer Society at 770-460-8920. Luminaries, in memory or in honor of cancer patients, are also available for purchase.