Piedmont Fayette Hospital is teaming up with cancer survivors and Relay for Life of Fayette County ambassadors Samantha Miller, 16, and Nancy Davis, 62, to host a dinner in cancer survivors’ honor and raise funds for American Cancer Society.
Miller was just 12 years old when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system, in 2010. Immediately, she withdrew from school and embarked on a journey that changed her life forever.
“At first we were very scared but many good things have come from our experience,” said Samantha’s mother, Kelly Miller. “We have met so many great people that have helped us along the way and we have been able to encourage others who are fighting cancer. Best of all, Samantha has decided she wants to be a child life specialist so that she can use what she has learned to help others.”
Two years after she was diagnosed, Miller was pronounced cancer-free in February 2013.
Davis, a seven-year cancer survivor, noticed something just didn’t feel right in her breast and scheduled an appointment with Elizabeth Killebrew, M.D., gynecologist at Piedmont Fayette, who sent her for a mammogram and biopsy. Test results confirmed Davis had breast cancer and soon she underwent a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy.
“Having cancer changed me,” said Davis. “The world looks different now. I appreciate things more and I’m just amazed and grateful that God sent so many wonderful people to help me through the experience.”
Miller and Davis will serve as the 2014 Ambassadors for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Fayette County to celebrate their victory over cancer and fight the disease that claims the lives of more than a half a million Americans each year.
The annual Survivor Dinner, of which Piedmont Fayette is a sponsor, is April 25 at 5:30 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church (North Campus), 551 New Hope Road in Fayetteville, Cancer survivors and a guest are cordially invited to attend the dinner free of charge but registration is required. To register, call 770-632-6934.
Relay for Life of Fayette County will be held the following weekend at Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, The event will take place May 3 from 3 p.m.to 11 p.m.
To sign up for the walk, donate or to join Piedmont Fayette’s Relay for Life team, visit relayforlife.org.
