Community Continues to Rally Around Woman Battling Cancer

A Charlie McGruders Club staple for many years, Jan Ball is in a fight to kick one disease's butt.

The Georgia woman fighting kidney cancer inspired a Facebook group to be formed in her honor to collect donations and assist her in any way possible following her diagnosis this past fall.

Laid off from her job over a year ago, Ball has struggled for the most basic necessities for herself and elderly father who lives with her.

"Now she is too sick to work and needs our help," reads a group email written by Ball's friend Val. "We are all suffering in this economy, but I urge you to please do what you can to help alleviate the stress she is undergoing financially so that she can concentrate on what's important...fighting this disease and recovering."

Val said: "Prayers and good wishes are priceless...much needed and appreciated...but they do not pay the bills. If all of us just gave $1, it would make a huge difference in the life of a gifted artist, optimistic, Sunday school teaching, always smiling, supportive, and overall great human being."

Friends old and new are urged to donate on chipin.com at the following link via Paypal: http://janball.chipin.com/help-jan-ball-kick-cancer-campaign.

Val wrote that 100 percent of donations will go to Ball and the goal originally was $2,500, which she stated was a start.

"It will help keep her utilities on and buy food, medicine; etc," she explained. "Jan is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that is being shown to her in this most difficult time."

Those interested in corresponding with Ball may email her at janellenball@gmail.com or you can write Val at v.v.kingrocks@gmail.com.

Cards/letters or direct contributions can be sent to 196 Holcomb Road, Ringgold, GA 30736.

In unrelated cancer news, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Fort Worth and Dallas Affiliates in Texas have moved their annual fundraiser, "Ole Country Boot Scootin'" from the fall to the spring.

"Our affiliate is growing and we now have folks filling all of the positions," said Virginia Griffin, volunteer Fort worth affiliate coordinator. "We will always have a need for volunteers, though. Also, we are working closely with the Dallas affiliate now as we both grow."

Dee Pakulski, now a 15-year pancreatic cancer survivor, is now serving as education and outreach coordinator for Fort Worth and Lester Geason represents Dallas. Terri Nabozny, a nurse practitioner, who lost her brother to the disease, serves as the advocacy coordinator for Fort Worth and Dallas is represented by Jeffrey Ross. Kelly Ayala, whose mother died of pancreatic cancer, and Emily Lilly, lost her father to the same illness, are the co-coordinators for events in Fort Worth and Mary Jo Jennings serves Dallas.

"We share Pamela Bethel LeDuff with the Dallas affiliate since we share the same media," said Griffin. "The Dallas Affiliate Coordinator is Susan Bruck."

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's signature event, PurpleStride held their first PurpleStride DFW, a one-mile fun run and timed 5K run/walk in November in Meadowmere Park, Grapevine, Texas. The event featured stomping of the grapes, raffles, kid corner, refreshments, and entertainment.

Even some couch potatoes took part by being virtual participants.

For more information on the organization, see pancan.org or email Griffin at vgriffin@pancanvolunteer.org.