Meghan Wilson lighting the Relay For Life Torch in 2005. Photo/Special.
Relay For Life is a celebration for cancer survivors and their caregivers. This year’s Relay For Life will be held on Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19 at Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field in Peachtree City. Each year cancer survivors are chosen as Honarary Chairpersons and Ambassadors.
“We are so excited to have some wonderful survivors representing Relay this year” said Relay Co-Chairperson Marji Clark.
Mrs. Frances Meaders, a Peachtree City native since 1972, has been named Honorary Chairperson of the 2012 Relay For Life of Fayette County. Frances is well known in the Fayette County community, having served as the City Clerk from 1973 – 1995. Frances is an active member of the Rotary Club of Peachtree City and was its’ first female member. Ms. Meaders has served in numerous positions with the Rotary Club and continues to enjoy her activities with them. Frances is a survivor of both breast cancer and uterine cancer, being diagnosed with both in 1996.
The 2012 Relay For Life of Fayette County’s Youth Ambassador is Fayetteville resident, Meghan Wilson. Meghan was diagnosed with AML Leukemia at the age of two. This year she will celebrate her fifteenth year of being cancer free. Meghan was the original Fayette County Relay Ambassador in 2005. “We are so happy to have her return as our Relay Ambassador this year.” said Relay Co-Chairperson Mahli Lowder. “The Relay family has watched Meghan grow into a beautiful young woman, both inside and out!”
Meghan agreed to return as Relay’s Youth Ambassador in order to honor her growth and participation with Relay. Meghan has served as Team Captain of her Relay team; the Braves every year since 2005. Her team is made up of 17 other teenage girls. Since 2005 The Braves Relay For Life team has raised over $115,000.00 for Relay. Meghan is a graduating senior at Starr’s Mill High School and will be attending Auburn University in the fall.
Serving as the 2012 adult Relay For Life Ambassador is Mike Galusha. Mike and his wife Mary are residents of Fayetteville. Mike is a 20 year employee of Delta Air Lines. Mike and Mary are both members of New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Both enjoy their service there with young married couples. Mike was diagnosed with lung cancer in December of 2009. He and Mary spent a good part of 2010 in Houston, Texas at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. On April 22nd, Mike had surgery to remove a tumor and his right lung. Mike’s treatment included chemotherapy and surgery; he receives follow-up treatment from the Georgia Cancer Specialists. Mike is grateful for “Nice clean scans since the surgery and I’m learning to live life as a survivor – enjoying every day.”
Relay is Fayette County’s opportunity to celebrate our local cancer survivors and their caregivers, remember those we have lost to cancer, and fight back as we hope to find a cure. The money raised will help the American Cancer Society move toward finding a cure for cancer. If you are interested in making a donation or finding out more about the event, please see the event website at www.Relayforlife.org/fayettecounty or call the local American Cancer Society office at 770-631-0625.
