Night for Hope raises $26,520 for cancer patients

ALBANY — The recent sixth annual Albany Night for Hope honoring Patsy Martin, a breast cancer survivor from the Albany area, will be used for education and to accommodate cancer screenings, officials with Horizons Community Solutions said.

The event raised $26,520 to help fund health education and screenings for patients in south Georgia served by Horizons.

“Early screening saved my life 6 ½ years ago. An annual mammogram discovered a small malignant tumor,” Martin said at the event. “Fortunately for me, I have insurance and having these tests was not a financial issue. But, in our community, there are many patients who are not so fortunate.

“I’m proud to be here tonight to be honored, but I’m prouder to be here to help raise funds for those folks in our community that have no other means. I’m a believer in what Horizons does every day for our community.”

Those who attended enjoyed an evening of music by The BANDages and JT’s Yoyo’s, a live and silent auction and a cocktail buffet at Doublegate Country Club in Albany. As the presenting sponsor, Phoebe Putney Health System was recognized, and Horizons honored one of its board members, Joel Wernick, who has since retired as Phoebe’s CEO, and new Phoebe CEO Scott Steiner — both of whom attended.

“Every dollar raised at this event goes to make sure patients in our area are educated about healthy living and have access to life-saving cancer screenings,” Horizons CEO Cynthia George said. “Finding cancer early means less suffering, saving a life, saving money and just doing the right thing for our neighbors.

“And none of this would be possible without the outstanding team at Horizons and the financial support from our sponsors, partners, and health care providers.”

To learn more about Horizons Community Solutions, visit www.horizionscommunity.org.