Tifton native helping ACS with luminary bags

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Lee Turner
‘Lights of Hope’ luminary bag

September 8, 2012

Tifton native helping ACS with luminary bags

Latasha Everson/The Tifton Gazette CNHI The Tifton Gazette Sat Sep 08, 2012, 01:38 AM EDT

TIFTON — Local man Lee Turner is helping to continue the support of funding for cancer research by selling “Lights of Hope” luminary bags to go towards the American Cancer Society.

Turner, who is the Ambassador Constituent Team Lead for Congressional District 8, said a luminary ceremony will be held next Thursday night in Washington, D.C., where they will be displaying the luminary bags around the reflecting pool. He stated that his goal is to take at least 100 bags to represent Tifton. Currently, 40 bags have been purchased.

Turner explained that the bags are $10 and can be purchased in memory of someone who lost their life to cancer or in honor of a cancer survivor. He will decorate the bags and will take them to Washington, D.C,. for the ceremony.

All proceeds will go towards the American Cancer Society.

Turner said he participates in lobbying on the state and national level for the American Cancer Society. He stated that once a year, approximately 600 volunteers from all over the United States of America attend Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. for three days. He noted that 14 volunteers from Georgia usually attend the event.

“We lobby for more funding for cancer research to remind representatives and Senate members that we still need this funding for research,” Turner said, noting that he enjoys hearing their feelings on various subjects.

As ACT Lead for Congressional District 8, Turner helps get out the information concerning cancer and is very involved in Relay For Life. He’s been involved in advocate work locally for four years now, but has been involved in the American Cancer Society organization for 13 years.

Turner said he enjoys what he does and is very passionate about the continuance of funding for cancer research, especially so since he’s a survivor.

He was diagnosed with throat cancer as a baby. He underwent surgery and still has the scar to remind him.

“I’m doing well now,” he stated.

Also, Turner’s mother was diagnosed with melanoma and his grandmother had lung cancer.

He said other than the government, the American Cancer Society is a substantial supporter in funding the research.

According to the 2011 state cancer facts from the American Cancer Society, it was estimated that in Georgia, 44,580 people would be diagnosed with cancer, including 3,940 new colorectal cancer cases; 7,030 new breast cancer cases; 6,410 new lung cancer cases; and 7,360 new prostate cancer cases. Also, it was estimated that cancer would kill 15,860 Georgia residents.

Cancer kills more than 560,000 Americans and costs the economy an excess of $220 billion annually, says the American Cancer Society. Funding for research is valuable on many levels.

Cancer research funding makes up 1/6 of the overall National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget, and nearly 85 percent of all grants funded by the NIH go out to the states to conduct life-saving medical research to find new treatment, screening and cures for diseases like cancer.

“Without the funding for research, we’re not going to find that cure,” Turner said.

He stated that people should purchase the luminary bags in memory or honor of someone with cancer to help support the American Cancer Society and other organizations that are involved in cancer research.

“Every year, we do different events to honor survivors and those who have lost their life to cancer,” Turner said.

He stated that he’s hoping to take the most luminary bags from the state of Georgia. He plans to leave for Washington, D.C., Tuesday.

To purchase a “Lights of Hope” luminary bag, contact Turner at 848-6123 or by e-mail at sophienbailey@yahoo.com. Purchases must be made by noon Tuesday.

To contact reporter Latasha Everson, call 382-4321.

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