U.S. Army Veteran who survived prostate cancer lights Phoebe’s Lights of Love Tree
ALBANY, Ga. – The Phoebe Health System is celebrating their annual Lights of Love Ceremony, and we got to speak with this year’s tree lighter about being a part of the tradition.
Meet George Green. A local veteran, a retired Albany firefighter, a survivor of prostate cancer, and this year’s lighter for the Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony.
To him, being able to light the tree feels like a full circle moment.
“This is a special event for me. Didn’t think I’d be here, but it is. And, I’m enjoying the night. And, thankfully, everybody came and enjoyed my speech,” said George Green, Lights of Love Tree Lighter.
George’s journey took took place in 2021, when he found out he had cancer…
And, he knew he had to make a decision.
“I didn’t worry. Once I started, I was going through it. Because I only had two choices: do you live or die? I wanted to live. So, that’s why I’m encouraging men to do what I did,” said Green.
Wednesday night marked a special occasion as George not only got to ring in the holiday season with lighting the tree, but announced he had completed his treatments only a couple of weeks earlier…
And, that helps to send a message of hope.
“I see a lot of my friends that are going through the same things I am and some in worse shape than I am. And, I like to talk to them to tell them it’s okay. Just continue to do what the doctor says. If anything happens, go back to the doctor. Don’t wait,” said Green.
While the Phoebe tree shines bright for the holiday season, George is going to keep encouraging his fellow men to keep their health in check.
“I had no one to talk to me, and now I can feel like I can reach them by talking to ‘em and explaining that I would do the same thing they be going through or went through, and then I want them to be able to feel comfortable with themselves and maybe they can achieve something special just like I have,” said Green.
And, continue to instill hope in those battling cancer.
Since the Phoebe Health System started the Lights of Love ceremony over 40 years ago, they’ve raised over one million dollars to help cancer patients.
Brian Roche reporting.
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