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Charity Builds Hope to Find a Cure |
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Written by Jeff Stone
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Thursday, 06 August 2009 22:03 |
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Community News
Charity Builds Hope to Find a Cure (insert Play for a Cure, Pray for a Cure picture)
Friends of Tony, a non-profit organization founded by Cumming resident, Tony Tristani, held its second annual tennis social and silent auction, Play for a Cure, Pray for a Cure, on the Windermere community tennis courts on Saturday, June 27. Forty tennis players and many volunteers came out in the hot summer heat to raise awareness for cancer’s littlest victims – children. This successful event raised $11,500!
“I am so grateful to all of my friends and family who came out in support of this event,” said Friends of Tony founder, Tony Tristani, a Cumming resident. “God is good.” God is Good! is the organization’s statement of hope and truth for all that suffer and that no matter what happens in our lives, we have our family, friends and our God to help us through.
Late in 2006, Tristani was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. Only 45 years old at the time of diagnosis, Tristani was five years away from the recommended screening for colon cancer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In 2005, more than 53,000 people in the United States died of colorectal cancer. Colon cancer often has no symptoms.
“I cannot imagine any child having to suffer through the pain of cancer,” said Tristani. “I am blessed that I can give hope to children by raising awareness and supporting medical research. We will find a cure!”
The Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will receive 100% of the funds raised at this year’s event. The Aflac center treats more than 350 new cancer patients each year. The center has one of the leading pediatric cancer, hematology and blood and marrow transplant programs in the country and provides advanced diagnostic and clinical care, as well as innovative treatment and research options to courageous patients ranging from infants to young adults.
To make a donation, learn more about Friends of Tony, and to signup to receive information about future events, visit www.friendsoftony.org. “Friends of Tony will continue its fundraising throughout the year,” said Brian Richey, Friends of Tony CFO and Operations Head. “Cancer doesn’t relent during a slow economy so neither can we.” |
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Last Updated on Saturday, 08 August 2009 19:09 |
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Rally Across America Hosts Celebration Luncheon for Cumming Cancer Survivor Kristen Sorrell |
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Written by Jeff Stone
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Thursday, 06 August 2009 22:06 |
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Rally Across America Hosts Celebration Luncheon for Cumming Cancer Survivor Kristen Sorrell (insert Kristen Sorrell and Magan…pix)
A room full of smiles and happy tears greeted you at the Outback Steakhouse on Market Place Boulevard on July 22 during the fourth annual Rally Across America (RAA) celebration luncheon honoring 6 year old Cumming resident, Kristen Sorrell, a childhood cancer patient who recently finished treatment for Leukemia in June 2009.
Kristen was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in March 2007 at the age of 3. She took two years and three months of chemotherapy and finished treatment in June 2009. A student at Daves Creek Elementary, Kristen is so thankful to everyone who has supported her throughout her journey and looks forward to getting back to her favorite activities including dancing, cheering, and shopping at The Avenue!
“We are thrilled to celebrate the fact that Kristen is finished with treatment, but we also realize that research is the key to finding better treatments and ultimately, a cure for kids battling cancer,” said Jennifer Sorrell, Kristen’s mother. “Unfortunately, funding for childhood cancer research is greatly lacking. That’s what Rally Across America is all about – raising funds and spreading the word across the country about the need for childhood cancer research so that one day this disease no longer exists and kids can simply be kids.”
From Cumming, the cyclists will continue their 1,000 mile trek up the East Coast and back, ending in Washington D.C. on August 1. RAA cyclists will bike through various cities, visiting kids fighting cancer in local children’s hospitals, generating awareness about childhood cancer, and holding community fundraisers in hopes of reaching their goal of $75,000 for research.
“After meeting with Rally Foundation, I loved everything they stand for and prayed for the job offer. It I got the job”, explained Magan Wasserman, a recent Kennesaw State University graduate and RAA team leader and cyclist. “Because of Kristen and other childhood cancer patients, I am constantly reminded of the importance of childhood cancer research and why I am biking for this worthwhile cause.”
Since 2006, RAA has pedaled more than 6,000 miles and raised more than $200,000 for childhood cancer research. To donate to this year’s bike tour, track the team’s progress or see an event schedule, please visit www.rallyacrossamerica.org. |
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Last Updated on Saturday, 08 August 2009 21:27 |
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We Fly....With Our Feet on the Ground |
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Written by Jeff Stone
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Thursday, 06 August 2009 22:04 |
Community News
Text and Photo by Jerry Smith
The members of Georgia Model Aviators (GMA) have a passion, a passion for flying radio control model airplanes. Their 65-acre well maintained flying sight, located just off Matt Highway (GA 369) on Old Federal Way, serves 250 members in and around Forsyth County with space necessary to fly small and large aircraft safely. The aircraft flown are diverse in size ranging from small electric foamies to large aerobatic craft with wings 10’ in length, powered with a 16 hp gasoline engines, even turbine jets. Most of the aircraft flown are made in the Far East and assembled by the buyer. These are called ARF’s (almost ready to fly) and are very popular with the club members. RTF’s (ready to fly) models can also be purchased and require very little work in preparation to fly. Some of the models we fly can be purchased locally in Cumming from Hobbytown, Atlanta Hobby and Extreme Flight RC.
Membership in GMA requires a membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics, an organization providing leadership for the purpose of promotion, development, education, advancement, and safeguarding of modeling activities. The new member must also prove to the club instructor that he can fly his aircraft safely. New members can also take advantage of a club instructor to help them learn to fly.
During the year GMA sponsors events to further interest the members and spectators. The next event will be the GMA Warbirds on September 5th beginning at 9 a.m. This will attract pilots from all over the eastern part of the US who will get together and fly their WWI, WWII fighter aircraft and modern jet aircraft as well. These airplanes are amazing and replicate airplanes of a by gone era that were famous and classic. We urge spectators to come and see them. As always, a charitable donation from the proceeds of the event will be given to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The last event of the year will be the Huckfest, in late October. Here you can see the wild aerobatics of skillful pilots who push every maneuver to the limit. As a spectator you will enjoy watching them perform. Don’t wait for an event, you are welcome anytime as a spectator and will find the club members friendly and ready to answer your questions.
For more information on the Georgia Model Aviators, look to our website www.gmarc.com for forthcoming events and additional club information. |
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Cumming Author Releases New Novel |
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Written by Jeff Stone
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Thursday, 06 August 2009 22:08 |
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Cumming Author Releases New Novel 
Marjorie Presten, Cumming resident and mother of three, recently released her debut fiction novel. Essie in Progress, now available in stores and on-line at Amazon.com, is a touching story about life as it should be lived. The Wells family has reached a state of crisis. Essie is burning the candle at both ends as she tries to juggle her job, her motherly duties and her impulsive husband, Jack. Meanwhile, Hamilton, the patriarch, has taken up residence in a dilapidated sailboat on Lake Lanier, trying to forget his past. The one thing that they all have in common is their search for significance. Set here in Georgia and told with a unique wit and a genuine Southern sensibility, Essie in Progress offers a stirring message about realizing the life God has in store for you. |
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Last Updated on Saturday, 08 August 2009 21:29 |
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