Greene County News
FAIRBORN — Tradition comes home to Fairborn as the 23rd annual Circle of Victory (COV) Cancer Awareness Walk brings survivors and families together to raise money for Greene County cancer patients.
It was nearly 23 years ago that Patti Davis had a vision and created the Circle of Victory in her Fairborn neighborhood of Rona Hills.
“She was in the midst of battling her own cancer, and discovered that two others on her street were also battling cancer,” said Greene Memorial Hospital & Soin Medical Center Community Outreach Coordinator and COV organizer Donna Saraga.
Davis wanted to do something to encourage them in their struggles and started a walk on Mother’s Day weekend, with 65 neighbors and friends, to raise money. She led this effort in Fairborn for 10 years until it became more than she could handle. The cancer survivor approached the Greene Medical Foundation and asked if they might take it over and continue to help cancer patients in Greene County, most who were receiving treatment at Greene Memorial.
“We have found that many people in Greene County don’t know about the Circle of Victory – either to donate or to ask for help – so this year we are bringing it back to where it all began,” said Saraga.
The fundraiser will take place at Sunday, Oct. 2 in Fairborn’s Community Park.
“Greene Medical Foundation serves all of Greene County, therefore hosting the event in Fairborn this year enables the Foundation to expand its mission throughout the county,” said Greene Medical Foundation President Jeff Brock.
“Cancer touches all of us personally and professionally. Every week, the Foundation is helping cancer patients with immediate needs,” said Saraga. “This fundraiser is one way to bring people together for this important cause.”
Every dollar raised through this fundraiser goes to underwrite cancer treatment, and help patients with medication, wigs, prostheses, and other financial burdens that occur. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and churches representing a cross-section of Greene County have stepped up over the last 22 years to raise more than $225,000.
In addition to the walk there will be many things for participants to take part in that day. Health and local vendors will be attending this year.
“With event sponsorship assistance, we make sure that every walker registration and every donation collected directly benefits cancer patients,” added Saraga.
Registration and vendors open at 12:30 p.m. Opening ceremonies will begin just before the walk start at 2 p.m. The closing ceremony will follow the walk focusing on those who have lost their fight and those have survived.
Contact the Foundation at 937-352-2250 for more information or become a sponsor.
