Meet our
According to the National Cancer Institute, 43 children per day will be diagnosed with some type of pediatric cancer, which is the leading cause of death in children due to disease. Over 15,780 children between the ages of birth and 19 will be diagnosed with cancer per year. Of those diagnosed, 95% will have some type of health problems related to the treatment by the time they reach 40 years of age. The average cost of a stay in a hospital for a child with cancer is $40,000 and, sadly, only 4% of the National Cancer Institute budget is allocated to fund research for childhood cancer.
Macy Barfield
Diagnosis
Medulloblastoma, age 19
Macy Barfield is a 19-year-old girl from Fitzgerald, Georgia. She graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 2018 and is the loving daughter of parents Dede Mickel and Keith Barfield. In November of 2018, Macy was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma. Her tumor was a grade 3 brain tumor and she had a full resection on November 19, 2018 and has since completed radiation. She will receive chemotherapy treatment until March of 2020. Macy is a very determined young lady and never complains about treatment and therapy. She is looking forward to completing treatment and returning to rehab where she plans to walk again. Macy dreams of going to college where she plans to study business. Macy has a strong faith and loves the Lord with all of her heart. She credits her strong faith as helping her get through the cancer diagnosis and treatment. Macy encourages everyone to get to know her Lord as their own personal savior. She is a true inspiration to everyone she meets. Macy’s mom is grateful for the services provided by CCAGCC and how they have helped their family during Macy’s battle.
Gage Stubbs
Diagnosis
Synovial Carcinoma, age 12
Gage Stubbs is the 12-year-old middle school student from Fitzgerald, Georgia. He is the son of Aaron and Courtney Stubbs and Christina McClelland and brother to his two sisters, Lilly and Sadie. Gage was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma in January of 2019. Once starting chemotherapy, another rare cancer was diagnosed in his chest – carcinoid carcinoma. Gage has done well with his chemotherapy and radiation treatments and he believes in the power of positive thinking. Thankfully, the chemotherapy shrank the tumor from the size of an egg to the size of a pea and allowed the surgeons to remove it with clear margins, preserving his range of motion. Gage has the sweetest spirit and disposition. He loves the outdoors and enjoys hunting with his father as well as traveling and spending time with his family. Gage also enjoys hanging out with his best friend, his English Cocker Spaniel named Creek.
Jim Aldridge
Diagnosis
PXA Astrocytoma, age 5; Glioblastoma, age 9; Adenocarcinoma age 19
Jim was first diagnosed with a PX Astrocytoma in 2005. He subsequently underwent surgery and radiation. In 2009, a second brain tumor, Glioblastoma, was discovered. This tumor required surgery, 33 proton radiation treatments and almost three years of chemotherapy. This treatment left Jim with weakness in his right side resulting in the inability to use his right arm and a bad case of scoliosis that would require rods to be placed in his spine. Jim’s speech was also affected by this treatment but has improved remarkably to the point that he almost never has an issue with people understanding him anymore. To this day routine MRI scans are a necessity. In March of 2018, Jim was diagnosed with colon cancer which required a colectomy. He is doing well now but will have to be monitored very closely his entire life. CCAGCC has been assisting his family with travel expenses incurred during extended hospital stays. “CCAGCC means so much to my family not only because of their financial assistance and emotional support, but their hard work in helping to raise awareness of Childhood Cancer. It is reassuring to know that they have our backs if we need anything for Jim or to help relieve us, as parents, by relieving the stress we may encounter because of Jim’s health problems,” said Jim’s mother, Lisa. When thinking of CCAGCC she thinks of this quote by Gordon B. Hinckley, “The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.” Jim graduated from high school in 2017. Despite his diagnoses, he’s a friendly, loving person with a vibrant smile. His hobbies include playing video games, going to the movies with friends, spending time with his grandparents while watching the gopher tortoises in their yard and watching YouTube videos on the latest video game and movie news. And Jim loves a good laugh. His favorite comedians are Jeff Foxworthy and Jeff Dunham.
Braydon Boone
Diagnosis
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), age 2
Braydon was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in September of 2011. Following the diagnosis, he went through treatment for a little over three years. Braydon finished his last treatment on November 4th 2014. Since then, he continues to see his doctors at Memorial University in Savannah, Georgia for regular checkups. During one of Braydon’s hospital stays, CCAGCC contacted his family to offer whatever support they needed. They helped his parents pay medical bills, do things with their children they never thought they would be able to, like ensure the children had wonderful birthdays and Christmases, and gave them the peace of mind in knowing everything was going to be okay. “My family and I would like to thank everyone from the CCAGCC,” said Braydon’s mother, Lindsey. “They have helped us in more ways than they know. They give you HOPE!” Despite his diagnosis, Braydon loves life. He is very shy but loves the friends that he has made on this journey. Like most boys his age, Braydon loves to swim, play video games, and ride his 4-wheeler.
Khemari Carter
Diagnosis
Neuroblastoma, age 3
In January of 2013, Khemari was diagnosed with neuroblastoma for which he received radiation and chemotherapy in short order. “Childhood Cancer Awareness Group has been amazing to us. I cannot say enough about this group. You guys are all amazing. You are his angel that God sent to him. You all lift burdens and stress and without all your help we do not know where we would be today. There are not enough words to thank you all but I can say God bless each and every one of you. Thank you so much!” said his grandmother, Helen. Today, Khemari is in remission. He still has to get scans every three to six months but so far so good. Khemari doesn’t let his trips to the doctor hinder him. He loves staying in motels and playing in the pools with his brothers and sisters on those trips. When he’s home, he enjoys going to church, riding his 4-wheeler, and playing with his dog.
Zi’Tavia Freeman
Diagnosis
Brainstem Glioma, age 3, relapsed at age 17
Zi’Tavia was diagnosed with Brain Stem Glioma at the age of three. She received chemotherapy and radiation to help combat the tumor. Since they began assisting Zi’Tavia and her family, CCAGCC has assisted them financially and emotionally. “We’re forever grateful for what they’ve done for us,” her mother, Shakina, said. “CCAGCC has been a Big Blessing and taken away some of our stress so we can focus on what really matters.” Today, Zi’Tavia is a loving young lady who likes to go to the movies, go out to eat, work on crossword puzzles, and help others. She is currently participating in a work-study program through the school at Coffee Regional Hospital to learn important work skills.
Braylynn Hughes
Diagnosis
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, age 10 months
Braylynn Lorraine was diagnosed with Infantile – B – Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with a MLL rearrangement gene in June 2018. Braylynn having this gene makes her “rare.” Her family isn’t sure how long she’s had Leukemia but they have had the support of CCAGCC since day one, June 18th. Before Braylynn was given an official diagnosis, CCAGCC had gone above and beyond to help her family with whatever they need. “We are so blessed to be part of such a loving and caring group for this ugly disease,” said Braylynn’s mother, Drew. “I personally thank the good Lord above for this group. Every single question we have is always answered. Anything we need help with, they’re there to the best of their ability. We are forever grateful to have this association to be a part of our journey against this ugly devil we are facing. If I had to describe CCAGCC, I believe this explains them perfectly: “ LOVE seeks only one thing: the good of the one loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of themselves. LOVE, therefore, is its own reward.” Braylynn is a vivacious baby. She’s in love with Minnie Mouse & Puppy Dog Pals and spends most of her time watching movies, playing with her “babies,” and crawling everywhere. Her favorite color is pink.
Ashlynn Johnson
Diagnosis
Pilocytic Actrocytoma, age 7 months
After noticing nystagmus, involuntary eye movements, Ashlynn’s parents took her to their pediatrician who immediately sent them to Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta Georgia. Within days of the symptoms beginning, Ashlynn – then seven months old – was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma brain tumor in May of 2018. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy which she will receive weekly for 68 weeks at Scottish Rite in hopes to stabilize and stunt the tumor growth. From this journey, we have learned, even more, to count our many blessings. And, CCAGCC, is just that…a blessing to us. It isn’t just a name of an organization, it’s the wonderful people involved that are praying for our baby girl daily, sending emails and Facebook messages, and checking on our family to see if we need anything. After our diagnosis, a welcome package was sent to us that was geared specifically toward all of us including our other two children. Watching their faces light up gave us, as parents, so much joy because we know they are adjusting as well,” said Ashlynn’s mother, Mandy. CCAGCC has helped her family in many ways, including aiding in back-to-school supplies for their oldest child, Kelsey. The goal of CCAGCC is to help the family maintain their primary focus of their family and the care of their sweet Ashlynn. “This is the best gift that anyone could possibly give, time to love our children and knowing that we will be able to provide the care that Ashlynn most lovingly deserves,” said Mandy. “She is our miracle in the making and we all have a front row seat. We are praising God and thanking him for our many blessings, CCAGCC included.” Today, Ashlynn is a vibrant and happy 11 month old baby girl with a smile and a giggle that will melt most anyone’s heart. This diagnosis hasn’t slowed her down at all. She’s always on the move and scoots anywhere she wants to go. She loves to pull up, eat puffs, and say “bye”.
Ashton Morgan
Diagnosis
Medulloblastoma, age 2
Ashton was diagnosed with medulloblastoma on August 13, 2013. His treatment consisted of an 8-hour brain surgery followed by months of chemotherapy, 2 bone marrow transplants, and radiation of the brain and spine. When Ashton was hospitalized, CCAGCC supported his family through prayer, calls, and texts. With Ashton’s father, Terry, staying with Ashton at Scottish Rite and Egleston’s in Atlanta during his treatments, his mother, Tamara, worked and traveled back and forth to the hospital. CCAGCC helped ease the family’s financial burdens by assisting with basic bills that might not have been paid otherwise. “In the darkest time of our lives, CCAGCC was there. They continue to support Ashton and our family in prayer and support each time he has to go to the hospital for scans and check-ups and we’re so grateful,” she said. “The CCAGCC have been the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus to us since August 2013. We do not know what we would have done without the love and support from this group of people and all of the other people who help this group do what they do. This scripture comes to mind when we think of CCAGCC – Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Ashton loves to draw, color, play sports, watch tv, travel, listen to music, and the list goes on! His favorite colors are red, white, and blue and his favorite superhero is Superman.
Aniyah Stuckey
Diagnosis
Burkitts Lymphoma, age 7
Aniyah Stuckey was diagnosed on March 16, 2017 at the age of 7 with stage 3 Burkitts Lymphoma. Aniyah was a healthy, happy girl and never showed signs of being sick. Her parents were not sure how long she had the cancer, since they didn’t notice anything being difference with her. Her doctors at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta recommended three months of chemotherapy which she handled like a champ. We are thankful and rejoiceful to say they have classified Aniyah as being “in remission.”
Aniyah has always been the light in any room. She’s very outspoken and never meets a stranger. She has an incredibly bubbly personality. She loves dancing and playing with her siblings. Even during her treatment, she never missed a beat. She was still the full-of-life little girl that we all love.
While we were focused on her getting better, CCAGCC filled a huge gap for her family. CCAGCC was able to help relieve them of pressure from ongoing bills and increased travel. “We will forever be grateful for the outpouring of love, support and generosity from this group” stated Aniyah’s mother Tonya. “Words can barely express how much they mean to us.”
Gage Tanner
Diagnosis
Ganglioglioma, age 6
Gage was diagnosed with Brainstem Ganglioglioma on April 13, 2012. He had proton radiation for six weeks at the beginning of his diagnosis, which didn’t work as the doctors had hoped. His family then opted to try a trial drug. He has been on a trial oral chemotherapy for over 4.5 years now and it seems to be keeping his tumor stable. CCAGCC has been with Gage’s family from his diagnosis. “They are my second family,” Gage’s mom, Candie, gushed. “I always know they will be there no matter what we need – physically, financially and mentally. Whether it be a light bill, car payment, medical bills for Gage, expenses associated with doctor visits, chemo co pays…the list goes on and on. They help with everything. If there is a will, there is always a way with this group. I count on them more than they will ever know.” CCAGCC even helped Gage and his family – parents Michael and Candie, twin brother Gavan (12), and sisters Jade (23) and Saige (14) – go on their first vacation in five years. The family was able to enjoy a trip to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Since he cannot be in the sun, Gage’s favorite things to do are play video games or spend time on his iPad. He is a HUGE Georgia Bulldog/Atlanta Falcon fan and, of course, his favorite colors are red and black.
Barron Thomas
Diagnosis
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Barron was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in 2015. CCAGCC has been with Barron and his family from the beginning before the family even knew what type of cancer they were dealing with. They’ve helped with everything from emotional support to medical expense and college tuition assistance. The emotional support CCAGCC provides has helped Barron and his family get through the stress and fear of managing life with a child diagnosed with cancer. “It is hard to put into words what CCAGCC has done for my family,” says Barron’s mother, Blondale. “They are our family now. Sort of like that song ‘Angels Among Us,’ they are our angels through this journey. To have a community group looking out for our children is completely amazing and they have helped my family continue to fight this battle and truly believe in miracles.” He currently attends South Georgia State College and will graduate in the Fall of 2018. After graduation, he plans to attend Valdosta State University and pursue a degree in Business Management. He wants to become a lawyer. In his free time, Barron likes to play video games and spend time with his family, friends, and girlfriend.
Sommer Wright
Diagnosis
T-Cell Lymphoma, age 14
Sommer was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma in April 2014 and CCAGCC was with her family from the beginning. They helped the family with travel expenses and stays associated with Sommer’s intensive treatment trips to Savannah Memorial Health University Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. Upon returning home from her diagnosed 11-day hospital stay, the family found out their home was infected with black mold, their washing machine quit working and Sommer’s father, Reggie, had a heart attack which required a pacemaker and extended medical leave for him as well. Though they faced all of these adversities in less than five months, they did not stress because they had CCAGCC on their side. “I don’t want to think about what our lives would have been like without the financial and emotional support of CCAGCC. To this day, they are still there for us. In turn, we do as much as we can for them as well,” said Sommer’s mother, Ali. In March 2016, Sommer finished her chemotherapy and was deemed cancer free, one month shy of her two year treatment plan. She returned to school her senior year and took a full schedule to graduate with her class in 2017, achieving all A’s and B’s in the process. No matter how sick she was or how bad she felt during her entire treatment, she would always say, ”I never have to look far, to see someone worse off than me . God is still taking care of me.” Sommer’s interests include: going to the beach, riding and spending time with her horse, Beau, her dog, Duchess, riding 4-wheelers, and spending time with her boyfriend and friends. When she’s not having fun in her free time, she loves her job at Coffee Hounds Doggie Daycare & Boarding where she’s advanced to the job of groomer.
KIDS OF INSPIRATION
These kids and young adults are not under the direct service provision of CCAGCC, but we’d like to pay special tribute to their courageous battle with childhood cancer.
Zack Corbin
Stage 4 Neuroblastoma
Scott Sikes
Meningioma
Wade Reliford
Testicular
Katie Leon
Leukemia
Kyle Williams
Ependymoma
Jacob Cornett
T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia [ALL]
Madison Jones
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia [ALL]
Sommer Wright: No matter how sick she was or how bad she felt during her entire treatment, she would always say, “I never have to look far, to see someone worse off than me. God is still taking care of me. I don’t want to think about what our lives would have been like without the financial and emotional support of CCAGCC. To this day, they are still there for us.” “In turn, we do as much as we can for them as well,”