Athens Regional Medical Center marked the dedication of the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support with a service entitled ''Sowing the Seeds of Courage'' on Thursday evening, August 31, 2000.
This wonderful new facility, located at 240 Talmadge Drive on the hospital campus is another community miracle.
The new facility is staffed with an Oncology Program Manager, Oncology Nurse, a Tumor Registrar, and an office manager in addition to a wonderful team of volunteers, most of them cancer survivors themselves.
The ceremony emphasized that no one has to go through the cancer experience alone, whether it be the person living with cancer, or their loved ones and caretakers.
They are able to offer services free of charge because donations from the community, the hospital Auxiliary, and hospital employees built the Center and endowed so that the program will continue through the years to come.

Guest Speaker: Hamilton Jordan
Hamilton Jordan, former White House Chief of Staff for Jimmy Carter was the guest speaker for the event.
He discussed his personal trials and triumphs in what he calls ''the toughest campaign of my life'' -- over cancer.
In his best seller, ''No Such Thing as a Bad Day,'' he writes that the day he learned he had non-Hodgkins lymphoma, he felt as if ''someone had suddenly pulled the plug and all the energy and feeling was flowing from my body.''
After a three-year fight, Jordan beat the disease, but then he developed two more cancers, walking away the victor both times. His story is one of inspiration, hope and courage.
''No Such Thing as a Bad Day'' weaves together Jordan's reflections on his remarkable life rubbing elbows with history and his inspirational story of beating cancer. He discusses his years with President Carter and offers memorable anecdotes about his encounters with Martin Luther King, Jr., President Johnson, and a young upstart politician named Bill Clinton. He also offers practical advice about coping with cancer through a pro-active stance on research and treatment. A startling first-hand account of recent American history and an inspirational guide for millions of cancer sufferers, this is an unforgettable read. (From the publisher, Scott Bard, March 21, 2000)

The Ceremonies
The Center, a project of the Athens Regional Foundation, entertained nearly 500 guests with music provided by the Georgia Children's Chorus under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Kimble and words of inspiration and commendation from John Drew and Hamilton Jordan.
After the dedication service, Hamilton Jordan, Myrna and Loran Smith, Mona Mecardante, Len Sapera, John Drew (president and CEO of Athens Regional Medical Center), and Mayor Doc Eldridge cut the ribbon, thus opening the Center to the public.
Also in attendance were several Athens dignitaries (pictured on this page), Vince Dooley, UGA Athletic Director, Dr. & Mrs. Wiggans, Dr. & Mrs. Ron Terry, Mr. Ed Graham and Mr. & Mrs. Julian Franklin. Following the ceremony, a light supper catered by Lee Epting was served and guests were invited to tour the facility.

About the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support
Named in honor of Loran Smith, a well-known University of Georgia football sportscaster who was diagnosed with leukemia seven years ago, the center provides non-medical support services, like short-term counseling, a resource center to provide help within the community, and support groups.
The building was designed by Wood Campbell, Architect & Sandbox Designs and constructed by Milton Garland Construction. Design considerations addressed the operational needs of the facility as well as the aesthetic need to blend into the neighboring community.
Over $2 million has been raised to date and donations accepted for the Center through the end of 2000 will be used to provide materials and resources for the Center.
The Athens Regional Auxiliary (pictured to right) donated over ½ million dollars toward the design and construction of the Center. G.I.F.T., "Getting Involved for Tomorrow", a voluntary program comprised of more than 1,200 hospital employees, donated over $380,000.