Phoebe Health System to hold annual Lights of Love ceremony

ALBANY, Ga. – The Phoebe Health System will usher in the holiday season Tuesday night with their annual Lights of Love celebration. Giving hope to many of Phoebe’s current patients.

Parker Douglas with the Phoebe Foundation says that Lights of Love is a chance for people to give towards Phoebe’s efforts in fighting cancer.

“…We have a fundraiser for our cancer center, and then we invite a special tree lighter, and in this case it’s three tree lighters this year to light the tree for and in honor of loved ones who have had a journey with cancer,” said Parker Douglas, Phoebe Foundation.

This year’s guests are a local family…

All three of whom have battled cancer at one point or another in their lives.

“So, this year, we have Ruthie Garner, Dr. Mike Garner, and their son Stephen Garner. They are a family who unfortunately, all three of them experienced cancer. And, we are so thankful for them to come out and light the tree and be symbols of hope. They’ve had such grace during their battles with cancer, and we’re honored that they said yes for us,” said Parker Douglas, Phoebe Foundation.

And, that’s the key word: ‘hope’…

As the tree is positioned in front of the hospital, in view for patients and their families to get a look at.

“…As you can see, where the tree is positioned, from patients rooms, they can see the tree. When you’re walking in to visit someone, they can see the tree at night. It’s a beautiful way to symbolize those loved ones who are going through treatment. Who have survived cancer. Who they’ve lost to cancer. And, even honor caregivers of cancer,” said Douglas.

For the Garner family, Tuesday will mark multiple milestones for them, and help those currently struggling to keep the faith in dire times.

The Lights of Love celebration will take place Tuesday evening at 7 pm on Phoebe’s main campus.

Brian Roche reporting.

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