Volunteer Spotlight

James Carlson has a warmth about him that comes across instantly. He is a very successful businessman who started his career in landscaping, and now he and his wife, Liz, own several businesses, most of which are related to floral design, weddings, and event planning. He also has a big heart and is committed to giving back to his community.

One of the ways he gives back is through CURE’s Catie’s Gathering dinners. Catie’s Gathering dinners are inspiring events benefiting Catie’s Fund of CURE. These special dinners are right up James’ alley because each table hostess brings their own flair to decorate their table. Looking around the room, you’ll find tables with such themes as the Kentucky Derby, the roaring 20s, and Southern gentility. Since the first dinner in Effingham, Catie’s Gathering has grown from one to five separate events in southeast Georgia.

“I met James at the very first dinner,” said Jenny Wilkins, Catie’s mother and founder of the event. “James came to help decorate. That year we had just ten tables and 100 people. We have about 800 people at the events now, and James has been to every one.”

He also supports the events tangibly and has increased his support every year. He provides tables and chairs, stage decorations, café lighting, and set-up and tear-down for the events in both Savannah and Effingham. This year, he approached Jenny and asked if his company, Carlson & Co, could be the presenting sponsor of Effingham’s event.

“We couldn’t put a dollar amount on the value of his support,” Jenny said. “He is such a crazy character that has such a big heart. I don’t think there is anything he wouldn’t do for CURE.”

While he has no direct tie to childhood cancer, he has seen local families struggle while going through treatment, and CURE’s local support of these families is one of the big reasons he chose to partner with CURE.

“I’ve watched Catie’s Gathering evolve from hostesses using paper plates and plastic forks to using fine china and silverware,” James laughed. “I’m proud to be a part because of the impact it allows CURE to have in our community.”

James has also become involved in the leadership of Catie’s Fund. He was instrumental in forming a board of directors for the fund to increase its reach by sharing its work in the community. That influence has directly increased the number of Catie’s Gathering sponsors.

“Networking is the biggest thing. I think getting out in the community, speaking to people, and getting to know them is important,” said James. “You really need to focus on building long-term relationships with the people around you.”

We appreciate James’ dedication to children with cancer and how he has helped Catie’s Fund by using his business acumen and community focus.

Glance behind the scenes at CURE and you will find an entire team of staff, board members, parents of cancer patients, and others in the community who are working diligently to ensure we are doing everything we can to meet the needs of families of kids with cancer. CURE’s Patient and Family Services (PFS) committee meets regularly to discuss the needs of families, evaluate our current programs, and brainstorm about new ones that will help ease the burdens faced during and after treatment.

At a recent PFS committee meeting, one of the newest members introduced her motives for participation by saying, “I can’t quit the kids.”

Peggy Kerns is a retired nurse who spent 37 years caring for children with cancer. Originally from Chattanooga, TN, she studied at Samford before coming to Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, where she worked side-by-side with CURE’s founder, Dr. Abdel Ragab.

“When I started in nursing, children weren’t surviving even leukemias that are very treatable today,” she recalled. “Treatment has changed so much over the years, but what never changes is the children. Even during the toughest days, the kids always find a way to be happy.”

Over the years, Peggy has worked with hundreds of children. She’s seen them grow up to become nurses, doctors, authors, and other types of professionals. She has also absorbed losses with their families – which she describes as the hardest part of her job.

“When you treat a child for months or years, they become part of your family,” Peggy said. “I didn’t have children of my own, but I’ve connected with so many families during a very difficult time. That has been my reward.”

Peggy’s dedication went beyond her job. She has volunteered at CURE events and for many years she has served meals to patients and their families through CURE’s Open Arms program. Her retirement three years ago left a void. So she joined CURE’s PFS committee to make sure families are getting what they need to cope with treatment.

“CURE is a bright light in so many lives during a very dark time, and I’m so glad to be a little part of it,” she said. “When you add cancer to the problems a family already has, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. We’re lucky to have CURE here in Georgia.”

And families are lucky to have dedicated nurses like Peggy. While fighting a Wilms tumor, Mitchell Odendahl was one of her patients. He is now a senior at Clemson University studying mechanical engineering, and his mother, Lisa, works for CURE.

“Peggy was Mitchell’s primary clinic nurse, and she was like a ray of sunshine,” Lisa said. “He was only 18 months old, and she was so good at putting him at ease. She became part of our family – even attending Mitchell’s second birthday party. It’s one of my greatest joys that I get to stay in contact with her through CURE! She’s a special lady.”

Peggy had opportunities to move into management over the years but turned them down because she knew her calling was to be by the bedside.

“Some people go through life without knowing what they are supposed to do,” Peggy said. “I’m fortunate that I found my purpose early.”