More than 1,700 cancer survivors, family members, and friends gathered to celebrate the magic of life and listen to Gov. Roy Barnes’ plans to fight cancer in Georgia at the 12th Annual Magic of Life Celebration held at SciTrek and the Atlanta Civic Center on Sept. 22.
The Magic of Life, hosted by the Georgia Cancer Foundation, is the largest cancer survivor event in the South.
Brenda Horne, Executive Director of the Georgia Cancer Foundation, said, “Cancer survivors feel each day is a gift to be treasured. This year’s Magic of Life theme is built upon David Eldridge Smith’s wonderful artwork entitled, A New Beginning, a concept everyone faced with cancer can embrace. After surviving cancer, people find life is truly altered and recovery is something to be celebrated-not just today but 365 days a year.”
Dr. Bruce Feinberg, Chairman of the Georgia Cancer Foundation and CEO/President of Georgia Cancer Specialists, said “It was great to see so many of our friends in one place enjoying the food, entertainment, and fellowship with their families and loved ones. Every day is a great day to be alive, and cancer survivors know this better than any one.”
As part of the official Magic of Life program, Gov. Roy Barnes addressed attendees at the Atlanta Civic Center, telling them how he wants the state of Georgia, through the efforts of the Georgia Cancer Coalition, to become a national leader in the battle against cancer. Barnes said the state was bringing the health care community together and funding efforts to fight cancer through education, treatment, screenings, research, and biotech. “When cancer-fighting drugs are developed, wherever they are given in the world, I want the package to say ‘Made in Georgia’ “ said Barnes.
Survivors and their supporters were treated to lunch and a visit to the SciTrek museum. Other activities included a silent auction, prize drawings, and entertainment by the Yaarab Temple Shrine Band, Atlanta Jazz Theatre Dance Company, Sympathetic Vibrations, Kele’s Pacific Paradise, and Jakki Martin at the Atlanta Civic Center. This year’s Magic of Life theme was “A New Beginning,” and was a digitally manipulated piece of art by David Eldridge Smith, Magic of Life Artist. The painting was one of the items featured in a silent auction and Smith signed the event’s official t-shirt.
The silent auction, featuring 36 items, along with individual and corporate solicitations helped to raise more than $30,000 for the Foundation’s programs.
The Georgia Cancer Foundation Inc. provides cancer education to Georgia residents as well as the medical professionals who care for them, regular healthcare screenings for early disease detection, and support for patients and families throughout the continuum of care.
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