American Cancer Society Community Representative Becomes Cancer Survivor (VIEW VIDEO HERE)

March 29, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

For several years Marlene Delong has served cancer survivors as a community representative for the American Cancer Society but last fall she found herself needing care after being diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Delong underwent surgery and has recovered but the experience has made the special bond with cancer survivors she has served even stronger.

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“I have worked with the American Cancer Society for many years and have always been on the side of the survivors and volunteers helping provide dinners and services but October 3, 2018 I had surgery for kidney cancer. I am now a cancer survivor and once you have been diagnosed as a survivor you see things from a different perspective,” she said.

If you think something might be wrong, Delong urges you to see a doctor because early detection is important. “Whether it’s a colonoscopy or mammogram please stay up to date with your screenings and blood work to keep yourself healthy. Ask your doctor about an ultrasound or whatever he or she would recommend if you feel something is not right with you because that is exactly how I found mine. I felt like there was something wrong and she (doctor) found it with an ultrasound,” said Delong.

For those who are undergoing cancer treatment in Nashville and need a place to stay, Delong said the Hope Lodge provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers.

“In a report I received this week DeKalb County residents have been provided 128 nights of lodging at the Hope Lodge. It’s a place where you can rest and cook a meal or people there can come in and fix meals for you. There you have your own bedroom style apartment. There is a washer and dryer on each floor and with the Hope Lodge there is a driver who will take you from the lodge to your hospital appointment and then pick you up and bring you back to the lodge,” Delong continued.

More than just a roof over their heads, the Hope Lodge is a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge community offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room. Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment, and permanently reside more than 40 miles or one hour away from their cancer treatment center. Each patient must be accompanied by a caregiver.

As a community representative for the ACS, Delong is involved with the local Relay for Life committee in helping plan events.

“I am available to help our volunteers here in the community with planning and executing events and raising money. I also work with the Relay teams and committee members and anyone else who needs my help,” said Delong.

The 2019 DeKalb County Relay for Life is set for Friday, May 10 starting at 5 p.m. at Greenbrook Park. The goal is to raise $50,000 for cancer research and patient services. Last year’s Relay generated $44,729.

“We invite you to come out and bring your family that night. We will have activities for kids and adults along with some good food, a silent auction, and more. We are hoping the community will get behind us again this year and support our Relay,” added Delong.

For more information about leading a fundraising team, sponsorship, volunteering or participating in any way, call Ivadell Randolph at 615- 597-5296, Lynda Luna at 615- 597-5837, Renee Cantrell at 615-684-2688, Gail Taylor 615-597-5936, Melanie Judkins at 615-597-1132, Marlene Delong-931-235-6286 or Eva Willoughby at 615-529-1187.

Meanwhile, the annual Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Reception Dinner is scheduled for April 25 from 5-7 p.m. at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church Gym sponsored by Dr. Timothy Tobitt of Good Health Family Clinic. Delong will be the guest speaker. All cancer survivors are invited.

“We will have a nice reception and meal for cancer survivors and caregivers and they will be given their Relay for Life tee shirts that they can wear on May 10,” said Delong.

To learn more about the American Cancer Society visit www.cancer.org.

“It offers all kinds of information and topics you may find interesting. There is also a number you can call which is manned 24 hours a day year round at 1-800-227-2345,” Delong concluded.

March 29, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

The community rallied in support of the DCHS Class of 2019 Friday with pledges and donations totaling $8,100 during a three hour WJLE radiothon for Project Graduation easily surpassing the goal of $5,000.

The record breaking radiothon was hosted by DCHS Teacher Chris Vance and David Hedge, who organized the radiothon project in cooperation with WJLE. Previously the most successful radiothon for DCHS Project Graduation was in 2010 when more than $5,000 was raised.

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“I am so thrilled and thankful to our community and how they have come forward today to call in and help this class so they can have a good time on graduation night,” said Beth Gill, President of DCHS Project Graduation for 2019.

“We wanted to be in the neighborhood of $5,000 but we far exceeded that with the support of generous donors including banks and other businesses, churches, and a lot of good people,” said Hedge.

“This means a lot to me. I am so thankful that the community has donated for us to be able to have a fun and safe night. It’s one final night I can spend with all of my classmates,” said Macy Hedge, member of the DCHS Class of 2019 who answered phones taking pledges during the radiothon.

Project Graduation is an all night drug-free, alcohol-free graduation party for members of the DCHS Class of 2019 committed to having a safe, wholesome, yet entertaining celebration together for the last time as a class. The event begins following the graduation ceremony on Friday, May 17

“Our plan for Project Graduation is to go to Dave & Buster’s in Nashville. We will meet at the school and leave at about 10:30 p.m. They have planned for us three buffets through the night so the kids will have plenty of food and drinks all night long. They will get to enjoy video games and bowling for free all night long. I am happy they will be able to do all those things in a safe environment. That is the purpose of Project Graduation to have a safe and alcohol and drug free party for the kids and keep them safe through the night,” said Gill.

In addition to Macy Hedge, other members of the DCHS Class of 2019 who appeared on the radiothon and answered phones taking pledges were Caleb London, Dosson Medlin, Faith Judkins, Maddison Cantrell, Addison Oakley, Noah Gill, Dulce Maciel, Anna Rachel Blair, and Lydia Brown.

A special thanks to Liberty State Bank, First Bank, and Wilson Bank and Trust for their support.

March 29, 2019
By: Dwayne Page

Four people were involved in a one car crash Wednesday afternoon on Highway 70 at Snow Hill

Trooper Chris Delong of the Tennessee Highway Patrol said 30 year old Ronald Harris of Smithville was traveling east in a 2010 Toyota Camry when the car crossed all lanes and went off the road before slamming into a rock bluff. Harris claims he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

40 year old Michael Rippee of Smithville was a front seat passenger while 20 year old Colby Cark of Smithville and 21 year old Christian Gottlied of McMinnville were back seat passengers. Gottlied was taken to the hospital by DeKalb EMS. The others received minor injuries and refused transport to the hospital

Harris was cited for failure to exercise due care.

Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb Fire Department were also on the scene.

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