On a frigid January day, the community of Douglas-Coffee County came together in a heartwarming celebration to mark a significant milestone. The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, to inaugurate the new permanent headquarters of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Group of Coffee County (CCAGCC).
The CCAGCC, a beacon of hope for childhood cancer warriors and their families, serves not only the local community but also the neighboring counties of Coffee-Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Telfair, and Ware. After years of operating from different locations, including seasonal rentals, the CCAGCC has found a forever home at 1208 Ocilla Road in Douglas, generously gifted by longtime supporters, Robby and Tedica Roberson of Douglas.
The joyous occasion saw nearly seventy community members and CCAGCC supporters gather to witness the historic moment. Chelsea Preston, Chamber of Commerce Member Relations Director, welcomed the attendees and introduced Ms. Tamara Morgan, a proud CCAGCC member and mother of a childhood cancer survivor, to lead the invocation. Ms. Morgan, pouring her heart into a beautiful prayer of praise and gratitude, thanked the Lord for all He has done within this organization, and asked that He would continue to bless their efforts, heal the children that they serve, and may He continue to lead this group where it needs to go.
Suzanne Ray, a CCAGCC member and family friend of the Robersons, provided insight into the couple’s generosity, sharing the story behind their impactful gift. The Robersons expressed their deep connection to CCAGCC and shared their inspiration and testimony behind selecting the property as the organization’s permanent home.
Mayor Tony Paulk emphasized the profound impact of organizations like CCAGCC, offering crucial support and resources to parents during their challenging times. He stated “to have a permanent home where parents can go to seek the help and resources they need in order to help their child the best they can is an immense blessing to our community and its surrounding areas.”
Ben Floyd, Board Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, recognized the significance of events like these, stating, “We host ribbon cuttings all the time, and people are familiar with the new hot-spots, the restaurants, and the retail, but it’s events like this that make our community what it is.”
Lori Hennesy, Board Chair of CCAGCC, touched on the organization’s journey through both good times and bad, expressing gratitude for unwavering community support. She thanked board members, volunteers, and the Robersons for their invaluable contributions.
Following the program, attendees joined hands in a circle, led by Doralynn Paulk of Ambrose Christian Church, who blessed the organization and its new location, offering prayers for those that are suffering and the families served by CCAGCC.
Amidst a sea of love and support, Barbara Dockery, a longtime childhood cancer advocate, proudly cut the ribbon, symbolizing the official opening of CCAGCC’s permanent headquarters at 1208 Ocilla Road in Douglas, directly across from Coffee Regional Medical Center. The organization will continue its seasonal staffing to better serve the community.
The Childhood Cancer Awareness Group of Coffee County invites the community to visit its new home, fostering a sense of hope, support, and unity for families facing the challenges of childhood cancer.