Oak Hill Hospital isn't discriminating any longer. Thursday's annual Celebration of Life for breast cancer survivors is not just open to the hospital's patients. All survivors are invited. ...more

October 23, 2009

On May 16, a wonderful event occurred: a celebration of life and caring. Jason Pearson was horribly injured in a motorcycle accident and needs help for medical bills. This wonderful community of Sebring citizens, led by bikers of Highlands County, spent the day traveling to seven different establishments to eat, drink and celebrate Jason's recovery. Go bikers! ...more

May 22, 2009

The American Cancer Society has selected Taylor Dumke, Thomas E. Weightman Middle School student and cancer survivor, to serve as honorary chair for this year's Relay For Life of Wesley Chapel, which started Friday and continues today. ...more

April 25, 2009

I would like to share my experience with the people of Highlands County who were unable to attend this year's "Celebration of Life Fashion Show." ...more

March 23, 2009

The recent Heartland Association of Realtors fashion show raised more than $15,000 for cancer research, according to organizers. ...more

March 19, 2009

I fully endorse all of the great words in support of the March 7 "Celebration of Life" Fashion Show for the benefit of the American Cancer Society. Organizers at Heartland Realtors Association produced a well choreographed and beautiful fashion show with artist skill and professional integrity. The models enthusiastically gave of their time under the skillful eyes and tutorage of Sherrie Abraham and Dayna Carlton, both of whom maintained a laser focus, instilled confidence and guided the models to perfection. Dayna used a velvet-glove approach as light and gentle as a feather in teaching the model to walk, pose and turn gracefully. The models are amazing and beautiful women. Each cancer survivor has a compelling story of her ordeal with cancer, yet each possesses a resilient inner strength, a zest for life, boundless energy, and an optimistic attitude — the combination of which is infectious far beyond the individual woman. Not only were they models on the runway at Chateau Elan inside the Four Points Hotel, but they are models of how to deal with, overcome and beat a crisis in everyday life. I congratulate all of the models for a job well done! ...more

March 15, 2009

On March 7, I was a model as a cancer survivor in the Celebration of Life Fashion Show. This was sponsored by the Heartland Realtors Association to benefit the American Cancer Society. It was one of the most enriching experiences I've ever had. I formed friendships that will last the rest of my life. I watched the ladies that worked with us, teaching, prompting and encouraging us pour their hearts into making the show a success. I received e-mail and phone call reminders from a wonderful lady who is dealing with stage 4 cancer of a loved one, yet she was faithful in making contact with us. Thank you, Jessica. There is no way to mention all who helped put this show together. Just to name a few, thank you to Holly from Allure Salon for the make up tips, to her sister who came from South Florida to help, and to Chastini who freshened everyone's lipstick. Thanks to the Bradenton Beauty and Barber School for the manicures and pedicures provided by their students. Marlene, thanks for being there to make sure the music was cued at the right time during practices. Thanks also to Impressive Pix Photography for donating their time during practice and the show. Lastly thanks to Libby for her dedication to helping us with the choice of clothing, to Dayna, our drill instructor, who was not satisfied with anything less than perfection, and to Sherrie Abraham for everything. ...more

March 14, 2009

As a model participant in the recent Celebration Of Life Fashion show honoring cancer survivors, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the attendees who's support was instrumental in making the show a financial success for such a worthy cause. In addition, I would be remiss if I did not thank all the models, sponsors and organizers who made it possible. Some of which are: The Heartland Realtors Association, Four Points by Sheraton, renown hair stylist "Pablo," his staff of makeup artists, plus Kathy and Maria of Allaire's Hair Salon; also, Photography by Jerry, Dress Barn, Maxcy's Mens Wear, Dillards and Wild Artist Jewelry. Of course, special accolades for our director Sherrie Abraham, her staff and all of the almost 100 persons who contributed their time and effort. One of life's greatest pleasures is doing good for others, with good friends. Nancy Trautman Sebring ...more

March 14, 2009

On March 7, the Heartland Association of Realtors sponsored its third annual Celebration of Life for the American Cancer Association. What a beautiful, uplifting event it was. Realtors and cancer survivors modeled clothes from Dress Barn and survivors modeled gowns from Dillard's in Lake Wales. Juan Pablo Alverade and his team of hair stylists and make-up artists worked on all the models and the women looked and felt beautiful. There were over 90 volunteers involved in this fashion show behind the scenes. When you find out that you have cancer, many thoughts go through you mind, one of them is, "will I live through this?" What with chemo and other treatments, loss of hair, etc., on Saturday these survivors looked in the mirror and beautiful women looked back at them. I know this because I'm a two time cancer survivor and I'm a 29-year survivor. ...more

March 13, 2009

Cancer is a word, when uttered by a doctor, that strikes fear in the heart of anyone on the receiving end of the news. But breakthroughs in cancer research give more and more people hope. ...more

February 7, 2009