Love Lights a Tree continues to help

Sonya Whitaker, a Miller County cancer survivor, lit the Love Lights Tree for 2007.

The Miller County Unit of the American Cancer Society has done it again. Everyone present at Monday evening's "Love Lights a Tree" program was inspired and moved by people whose lives have been touched in some way by cancer.

On Monday evening, December 10, the community joined together on the courthouse lawn around the live Christmas tree. Margaret Ann Daniels, a cancer survivor and president of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, welcomed the large crowd to this year's program.

The Rev. David Thompson, pastor of Colquitt United Methodist Church, gave an inspirational devotion and the Rev. Mike Mounts, pastor of Bellview Free Will Baptist Church, led the crowd in prayer.

The Miller County Elementary School Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Holly Thomas, then entertained the crowd with a number of Christmas musical renditions.

After the chorus sang, the Miller County High School Band, under the direction of Mr. Richard Horne, performed Christmas music.

Suzette Little, honorariums and memorials chairperson, then recognized the survivors who were in attendance.

Betty Jo Toole, public relations and projects chairperson, thanked everyone for their continued support of the "Love Lights A Tree" project. The local unit has worked tirelessly to make this year's "Love Lights A Tree" program a success. Mrs. Toole thanked Terry and Martiele Pickle and their farm workers for decorating the tree, Lisa Spooner for printing the programs, Charlie Boyd and the trusties for setting up the chairs and risers, the Miller County Elementary School Chorus and the Miller County High School Band for their performances, and all the people who made "Love Lights" donations, and all others who contributed in any way to this year's "Love Lights A Tree" program. She also gave a special thanks for all the survivors in attendance and all the ones who came for this special event.

It was announced that as of today almost $2600 had been raised to help in the fight against cancer. If you would like to make a donation, you may still do so.

Following the announcements, and acknowledgements, Mrs. Sonya Whitaker, a cancer survivor, told her cancer survivor story followed by her lighting this year's "Love Lights A Tree."

Everyone then joined in by singing "Joy to the World."

Rev. Mike Mounts then gave the benediction.

The local chapter of the American Cancer Society's 2007 officersare president, Margaret Ann Daniels; vice president, Jay Funderburke; second vice president, Jill Brown; Tammy Richardson, treasurer; Martiele Pickle, secretary; Linda Dozier, survivor chairperson; Shawn Whittaker, mission developing chairperson; Betty Jo Toole, media relations chairperson; Sonya Whitaker, Reach for Recovery chairperson; and Jay Funderburke, Relay for Life chairperson.

The American Cancer Society has led the way in finding prevention and in research methods to treat and hopefully cure the deadly disease. Countless volunteers contribute hundreds of dollars and many, many hours to ensure its progress.

An estimated 556,000 Americans are expected to die from cancer in 2007. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer remains the number one cause of cancer deaths, claiming over 157,000 victims last year.

These statistics cause the American Cancer Society to press harder for a cure.