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News-Sun photo by CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY Tom DiGrazia, co-chair of the Tanglewood community's American Cancer Society's fundraising committee, gives Marion Stuart, the society's area patient services representative, a thank you kiss. She has just given him the Hope Award.

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published: Sunday, October 12, 2008

American Cancer Society installs new board and officers

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- The Highlands Unit of the American Cancer Society had its annual dinner meeting for the fiscal year 2008-09 Thursday night at Inn On The Lakes.

In addition to installing the new board and officers, several individuals and one group were recognized with awards.

Special recognition was given to the Tanglewood community for its outstanding fundraising during the year. Hundreds of volunteers, under the leadership of "the two Toms" -- co-chairs Tom DiGrazia and Tom McKeever -- helped raise $49,000 for cancer research.

The Courage Award, given to a cancer patient who inspires others by example, was awarded to Jean Lund, who was diagnosed 20 years ago. Lund credited her family and God for seeing her through the years with grace.

The Hope Award was given to DiGrazia for his individual efforts at Tanglewood, but he was quick to downplay his own efforts, pointing to the 300 volunteers and his co-chair McKeever, all of whom, he said were essential to Tanglewood's fund raising success.

The Caregiver Award was bestowed upon Dale Miller, himself a cancer survivor, who helped his wife Bonnie endure a short but hard-fought battle against lung cancer that had metastasized to her brain. Residents of Adelaide Shores, the Millers received comfort and aid from their neighbors, many of whom turned out to honor her memory at the 2008 Relay for Life.

The award was accepted by the Millers' daughter, Debra Falk, as her father is in Wisconsin attending to family business.

Dr. Syed Ahmed was honored for his unstinting work as medical advisor for the Highlands Unit.

Lee Ann Hinskey and Sherry Dawes were recognized for their selection (out of 70 applicants) to the Volunteer Leadership Institute. The institute provides intensive training, giving its attendees insight into both cancer the disease, and the American Cancer Society from a global perspective.

The new Highlands Unit board and slate of officers includes Lund as chair, Sharion Hudson as vice-chair, Rick Little, Becky McIntyre, Vickie Jarvis, Michelle Yates, Lee Ann Hinskey, David George, Sherry Dawes, Dr. Ahmed, and Sue Nardy.