| Joanna McAfee Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc. |
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Childhood Cancer Classic golf tournament, tremendous success...
We'd like to extend our deepest appreciation to all our sponsors, volunteers, and golfers who helped make the Childhood Cancer Classic, presented by Core Physical Therapy, a tremendous success. Please see the recap of the event below.
Finally, 2012 has turned out to be another tough year for many of our families. Please keep all of our children in your prayers but send up an extra prayer for two of our children who are very sick and need a miracle. Our children fight hard with little to no complaint. As you may be aware, one of our heroes, Kody Lucas, passed away last month. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
In this newsletter:
- Childhood Cancer Classic, Tremendous Success!
- Local Reporter/Anchor Sinks Hole-in-One at Childhood Cancer Classic
- Middle Georgia Heroes Feature - Kody Lucas (1992-2012)
- Volunteer Spotlight: Ashley Bush
- Upcoming Events
Thank you, Jeff, Misty, & Paul McAfee Founders
Joanna McAfee Childhood Cancer Foundation |
Childhood Cancer Classic, Tremendous Success!
The Childhood Cancer Classic, presented by Core Physical Therapy was held in on Saturday, April 21st at Southern Hills Golf Club in Hawkinsville. The childhood cancer awareness event is being called a "tremendous success" with gross revenues at nearly $40,000!
According to Foundation President, Jeff McAfee, sixteen 4-man teams participated in this year's event. All monies raised benefited Joanna McAfee Childhood Cancer Foundation. The mission of the organization is to raise awareness, provide financial and emotional support and fund research for childhood cancer.
Keith and Angel Brown, the owners of Core Physical Therapy have sponsored the tournament in the past, but after finding out more about the mission of JMCCF and the number of local children suffering, decided to deepen their commitment by stepping up as the Presenting Sponsor.
"Core Physical Therapy was very proud to partner with the JMCCF on this great event to bring awareness of what this community can do to help in the fight against childhood cancer," said Keith Brown, CORE Physical Therapy CEO.
Jeff McAfee added his appreciation for Core and the community's involvement.
"Even in tough financial times for so many businesses, it's humbling to know businesses and individuals still want to help those who need it most," said McAfee.
There was an awards ceremony after the tournament, and many childhood cancer warriors were among those in attendance for the event. Those children and their families in attendance: Hannah Layfield, LaStacia Lowther and Mac McNeal. The families of the late Macy Easom and Caleb Gallet were also in attendance.
One participant in the tournament, Todd Wilson, who also served as the awards ceremony's emcee brought a first to the Foundation. Wilson, while on number 11, saw the first hole-in-one in the event history.
The tournament concluded the awards ceremony by recognizing the first, second and third place winners. Tournament winners were: Brandon Slade, Chris McCook, Chris Winford and Stan Gann, first place. Second place winners were Jeff Jarrett, Chris Saltz, Bob Love and Shawn Braynard. Third place went to Dr. Kenneth Walker, J.D. Hall, Fred Otto and Gary Odom. |
Local Reporter/Radio Anchor Sinks Hole-in-One at Childhood Cancer Classic
Todd Wilson, WRWR, "The Patriot" reporter and radio anchor walked away with a big accomplishment under his belt at the Childhood Cancer Classic golf tournament.
Todd Wilson sank a hole-in-one at the tournament held in Southern Hills Golf Club in Hawkinsville. The perfect shot came on #11, a 178-yard, par-3 hole. Not only was this a first hole-in-one for Wilson, it was also a first in the tournament's history. Congratulations, Todd, and thank you for your support! |
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Middle Georgia Heroes - Kody Lucas (1992-2012)
by Tyler G. Bryant
Many of you may remember, we featured Kody Lucas in a previous e-Newsletter recently. However, we felt with his recent passing, it was only fitting to feature him in this month's e-Newsletter.
Kody Lucas, born July 29, 1992, passed away April 10, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was 19 and a resident of Perry, GA. Shortly before his death, Kody completed a PSA to help in the fight against childhood cancer. Starring in a PSA was one of Kody's last wishes and JMCCF was honored to help make the dream a reality.
While most of our e-Newsletter items champion the survivor, this article will champion the life and legacy of Kody Lucas.
Kody knew his time was short and wanted to give back to those who had helped him throughout his battle. For the past three years, Kody held a blood drive in Perry on his birthday. He requested that attendees bring no gifts but instead the courage to donate a unit of blood. This past year, the event was the biggest success yet. The event brought in more than 150 units of blood.
Each time I spent time with Kody, I was amazed at his contagious wit, courage and great personality. Often you'd go thinking you were going to cheer him up but you walked out feeling better than you did walking in.
One of my last conversations with Kody was over lunch. We'd just completed the filming of his PSA and went to Olive Garden, his favorite restaurant. Kody ordered a tiramisu , which he made sure to tell the waitress to bring out before his meal. After he finished the dessert, his salad (and soup) and his meal, Kody didn't look like he was ready to call it quits. I asked him what was on his mind.
"I'd really like another tiramisu ," he said.
I asked him, quite rhetorically, "Another?"
He quickly responded, "Tyler, where I'm going I won't have to worry about my figure anymore," and then he laughed.
He passed away less than a month later.
That was the type of person Kody was. He wanted to help others first and foremost and also wanted to make others laugh even in such difficult times. This outstanding young man planned his entire funeral and through it all found time for laughter. No easy task.
Please keep Kody's mother and father, Donna Moss and Bobby Lucas, and step parents, Michael Moss and Amanda Lucas, as well as his entire family in your prayers. Remember how they must now learn to live their lives without Kody and how difficult that must be. Remember how hard he fought, with little to no complaint. He instead fought his cancer with strong, remarkable courage and a lot of laughter!
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Volunteer Spotlight: Ashley Bush
by Tyler G. Bryant
Continuing a new tradition for the JMCCF e-Newsletter is our "Volunteer Spotlight" section. This section recognizes one of our many, many outstanding volunteers. These individuals work tirelessly and are often our unsung heroes. We are sincerely appreciative to all our volunteers and their commitment to our cause. We could not complete our mission without your dedication.
Ashley Bush, a resident of Warner Robins first began volunteering at JMCCF in 2011. Her many tasks include helping with bulk mailings, assisting with inventory control and even cleaning the office. Ashley is not afraid to get her hands and feet dirty.
As a student leader at Macon State College and a full-time employee at GEICO, Ashley has little time for herself but still manages to find time to assist the Foundation in all areas available.
I sat down with Ashley and asked her a few questions about her volunteer experience at JMCCF and what keeps her coming back.
When did you begin volunteering at JMCCF?
"I first began volunteering in 2011 and I normally help about 1-2 days per week."
What do you like best about volunteering at JMCCF?
"I really like the fact there are limitless opportunities available to you. Many times when you volunteer at an organization, you are limited to one task or have to do the same thing over and over. At JMCCF, however, you're invited to get involved in all areas."
What is your favorite memory since you started volunteering with us?
"There was one day when I was helping to create some Excel spreadsheets for the Foundation for the Christmas Wish List and one of the supported children walked in. He was so hyper and full of life! I loved being around him because even though he was battling cancer, he still had more energy and life than most children. It truly brought a tear to my eye. I also really enjoyed delivering gifts to one of the families. The family was so appreciative and the gesture behind the delivery of the gifts was very touching as well."
Thank you, Ashley for all you do to help JMCCF fulfill its mission. |
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Recap of April 2012 Events
April was a busy time with the Childhood Cancer Classic on April 21st, but the foundation also witnessed several others. JMCCF was privileged to speak to several first-time volunteers throughout the month. We were also fortunate to be featured on 13WMAZ's noon news on April 13.
Upcoming Events
2012
May 12 - JMCCF Board Meeting
September 11 - Speaking Engagement at Liberty United Methodist Women's Group |
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Social Networking
  Become a fan of the "Joanna Tag" Visit JMCCF cause |
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About Us
The Joanna McAfee Childhood Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and our mission is to raise awareness, provide support and fund research for childhood cancer. We founded the foundation after losing our daughter and sister, Joanna Rae McAfee, to very aggressive form of childhood cancer in 2005, at age 6.
Through awareness initiatives, we have become a voice for the many children who have neither the forum nor the political means to speak for themselves. Through support programs, we provide financial and emotional support to local children and their families. We also have provided eighteen to nine (9) childhood cancer research institutions.
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