"A New Year of Purpose, Partnership, and Possibility!"

July always feels like a fresh beginning for the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition. As we start our new fiscal year, I find myself reflecting on all that we’ve accomplished together and feeling incredibly hopeful about what lies ahead.

Our Annual Report highlights many of these accomplishments, but what means the most to me are the stories behind the numbers. Stories like that of Maria “Betzabe” Diaz, a young medical student whose breast cancer diagnosis changed the course of her life but never diminished her determination to become a physician and advocate for others.

She recently graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in Columbus, GA. Her courage reminds us that cancer may change someone’s journey, but with the right support, it does not have to define their future. It is stories like hers that inspire us to continue strengthening the programs and partnerships that make a real difference every day.

I am incredibly proud of what we achieved this past year alongside our hospitals, healthcare providers, community organizations, faith leaders, volunteers, donors, and countless supporters. Together, we expanded access to education and lifesaving screenings, helped patients navigate treatment, provided financial assistance to families facing the burden of cancer, and continued working toward reducing cancer disparities throughout West Central Georgia.

As we begin this new fiscal year, our commitment is stronger than ever. We are excited to launch new initiatives, deepen collaborations with our community partners, and continue finding innovative ways to serve those who depend on us. While there is still much work to do, I am confident that together we can continue building healthier communities and ensuring that no one has to face cancer alone.

To everyone who has supported the Coalition—whether by volunteering your time, sharing your expertise, making a donation, or simply believing in our mission—thank you. Your partnership is the foundation of everything we accomplish, and I am deeply grateful for your continued trust and support.

As we step into this new year, I invite you to continue this journey with us. Together, we will keep turning compassion into action, challenges into opportunities, and hope into healing.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue making a difference—one life, one family, and one community at a time.

Warmly,

Cheryl A. Johnson

President & CEO

West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition