Special to The Gazette
TIFTON — Area residents will honor family and friends and remember lost loved ones at the Tree of Life lighting ceremony to be held on the front lawn at Tift Regional Medical Centeron Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. An annual holiday tradition in its 24th year, the Tree of Life is sponsored by the Tifton Junior Woman’s Club, raising money for a special fund benefiting patients of the TRMC Oncology Center and Hospice of Tift with special needs. With various giving levels, lights for the tree are purchased in memory or honor of a special family member or friend.
“The Tree of Life provides much needed aid to cancer, hospice or seriously-ill patients who are feeling financial pressures while undergoing treatment or care,” said Christie Moore, director of Hospice of Tift Area. “The fund helps to pay for utility bills, groceries or special comforts.”
Laverne Cook, RN, assistant vice president of patient care services at TRMC, said Tree of Life is another way that the community shows it cares for those in need. “We have to thank everyone who continues to donate to the Tree of Life,” said Cook. “This fund disbursed thousands of dollars in special assistance to the patients of the TRMC Oncology Center and Hospice of Tift Area.”
The decorative tree will be illuminated with a ceremonial pull of the switch by family members of patients who have received services from Hospice of Tift Area and the TRMC Oncology Center.
The evening will also feature live entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus, as well as a free dinner presented by the TRMC Food Services Department. “Real” snow will even cover the ground.
“Tree of Life is a reflective event, but we also wanted it to be a celebration,” said Stacey Beckham, event coordinator. “We’ll remember those we’ve loved and lost, honor those still with us and celebrate the joy of life.”
Donations to the Tree of Life are being accepted until the end of December. To make a contribution, call the TRMC Oncology Center at (229) 353-6365.
