During Saturday night’s Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation’s Celebration of Life, Greenville Mayor Alan Gaffner spoke to those gathered for the opening ceremony.
He issued a proclamation in honor of the event. The full text of the proclamation follows below.
Click below to hear an excerpt:
Gaffner’s daughter, Emily, sang the “Star Spangled Banner” during the opening ceremony.
LEMUEL RHODES CANCER FOUNDATION CELEBRATION OF LIFE FESTIVAL DAY
September 19, 2015
PROCLAMATION
BY THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells which, if not controlled, can result in premature death; and
WHEREAS, cancer is predicted to strike one out of every three Americans sometime in our lifetime with an estimated 62,480 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Illinois; and
WHEREAS, approximately 106 new cases of cancer are estimated to occur in Bond County, and more than 45 Bond County residents are expected to lose their battle with cancer this year; and
WHEREAS, the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation is a community effort to support neighbors who are battling cancer; and
WHEREAS, in his will, Lem provided for proceeds from a portion of his trust to be used to help Bond County residents battling cancer and to offer resources they sought through Greenville Regional Hospital and the Bond County Health Department; and
WHEREAS, through a confidential application process, individuals may apply for assistance to address the expense of items such as medical bills not covered by insurance, lodging and travel for treatment, fitted garments, and other necessary items; and
WHEREAS, The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation Celebration of Life Festival in Bond County is a community event that allows an opportunity to network with businesses, associates, family, friends, and neighbors with the goal of making a difference in the fight against cancer,
NOW THEREFORE, I, Alan Gaffner, Mayor of the City of Greenville, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM Saturday, September 19, 2015 as the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation Celebration of Life Festival Day. I further urge all residents to recognize and participate in this anti-cancer campaign held in our community, encourage those individuals living with cancer, and honor those individuals that have lost their lives to the dreaded disease, and support volunteers who are generating funds to battle cancer and provide charitable assistance for cancer patients.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Greenville to be affixed this 8th day of September, 2015.
Alan Gaffner, Mayor
City of Greenville
Greenville, Illinois
