After a five-year absence of the Glennville Bank sponsored Cancer Survivors' Dinner, with COVID the reason for its absence during these years, Glennville Bank resumed the hosting of this event on the evening of Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the bank.
Will Sheffield, President/CEO of GB Bank Group and Glennville Bank, shared that the Cancer Survivors' dinner is one of the most anticipated events for the bank employees, officers, and directors. Lisa Bright, Tippins Bank Banking Officer, who emceed the evening program, commented on how much the bank appreciates them as survivors and for the battle they have successfully fought and emerged as victors.
Kim Tatum, founder and chair of Cancer Association Relief Effort and Support (C.A.R.E.S.), was profuse in her gratitude to Glennville Bank and their generous financial support since the inception of
C.A.R.E.S. 16 years ago.
As a breast cancer survivor herself, Kim knows firsthand what it means for the survivors to be so thoughtfully remembered and hosted with a dinner in their honor. She commented that the support of the community has been phenomenal in helping those experiencing cancer.
Vicky Odom, Assistant Vice President at Glennville Bank, introduced her long-time friends, Renee and Matt Rogers, who have had their medical struggles. At age 42, Renee was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.
Renee was later diagnosed with thyroid cancer, also, but was thankful to God for healing her. After this stressful time, Matt, who is a flight nurse with Air Evac, contracted COVID. He described the journey they endured through his COVID hospitalization, which included a double lung transplant and heart surgery.
"The doctors gave up on me several times, but I know I serve an awesome God, who never leaves us," said Matt, adding that for him and Renee to be present tonight was nothing but God Himself and his healing.
Both Renee and Matt encouraged the cancer survivors never to give up and always to rely on God.
At the conclusion of the speakers, Sheffield presented Kim with a check to C.A.R.E.S., which is used throughout the year to financially help those undergoing cancer treatments with their travel and other related expenses.
Entertainment during the evening was presented by vocalists Phillip and Carole Shepherd. The couple moved to Glennville this past December when Phillip became the Minister of Music and Senior Adults at First Baptist Church in Glennville. Both have lovely voices and have become a part of the community. One of the songs they sang, "Wind Beneath My Wings," was an appropriate selection for the group of cancer survivors.
The delicious meal was catered by The Farmhouse and served by bank employees and their family members. Each survivor was presented with a coffee mug as a gift, and several received a gift basket as a door prize. Glennville Bank Assistant Vice President Angela Durrence coordinated this year's Cancer Survivors' dinner. Senior Vice President Mark Thompson closed with prayer.
