Steve Dilts named honorary Phoebe Lights of Love tree-lighter

ALBANY – Steve Dilts, an Albany cancer survivor, has been named the honorary tree-lighter for the 7 p.m. Nov. 28 Lights of Love ceremony to be conducted outside the Phoebe Cancer Center.

Since it was started in 1983 by the Junior Woman’s Club of Albany, Lights of Love has raised more than $1 million for cancer services and patients at the cancer center at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

When Dilts learned he had advanced diffuse large cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, his wife of 47 years, Laurie Dilts, said his first thought was concern was for her and their children.

“He’s so selfless,” she said.

His case was made more difficult because he had suffered a heart attack the year before his cancer diagnosis.

“They were concerned about how some of the medicine would affect my heart, so they convened the tumor board, and they came up with a special regimen for me,” Steve Dilts said.

He underwent six months of chemotherapy and since has been cancer-free. He also praises for the team at the Phoebe Cancer Center.

“They were friendly, cheerful, outgoing, loving,” Steve Dilts said, “and my treatment was lifesaving.”

His wife added, “It’s like when they’re talking to you, there was nobody else around. You were their focus.”

The Diltses supported the Phoebe Lights of Love program long before his cancer diagnosis. It has been a holiday tradition in their family.

“The Phoebe Foundation does good work with Lights of Love, and it needs to be supported,” Steve Dilts said. “Albany and Southwest Georgia are greatly benefited.”

Other honorary tree-lighters are Kerry Helms, of Sylvester, at Phoebe Worth, and Beth NeSmith, of Americus, at Phoebe Sumter. They will light the trees at ceremonies on those campuses.

Phoebe officials say this year’s donations will benefit:

— A multi-year effort to restore the Light House facility that can host patients who must travel long distances to receive lengthy, multi-day treatments;

— Infusion chairs and flat-screen televisions at Phoebe Worth;

— The Cancer Crisis Fund to provide emergency financial assistance for Sumter County residents.

The Lights of Love trees have white lights that are symbolic in memory and honor of individuals. For each light purchased for a suggested $25, a card is sent to those honored or to family members. To donate, call (229) 312-GIVE or visit lights-of-love.org.

For more information on the program, contact Phoebe Foundation at (229) 312-4483. The stories of the tree-lighters can be found online at www.lights-of-love.org.