Doris McLemore completely understands the benefits of being able to receive healthcare close to home.

The assistant principal of Red Bud Elementary was diagnosed with breast cancer on November 7, 2008 and while she was able to receive chemotherapy treatments here, she had to go out of town for her radiation treatments.

“I was very blessed because I was able to drive myself to my treatments,” McLemore says. “But I saw some very sad situations – people who I know would not have been able to drive out of town for these treatments. That is why this means so much to me.”

For the past several years, the Red Bud Elementary School staff participated in Lee Denim Day, where staff members contributed $5 to wear jeans for one day and the proceeds benefitted Susan G. Komen for the Cure, she explains.

“However, this year we decided to contribute the money locally to The Harris Radiation Therapy Center at Gordon Hospital,” she adds. “I am excited to have something like this in Calhoun.”

Staff members were given the option to contribute $20 to dress down for the entire week or $5 a day. Through their efforts, Red Bud Elementary School was able to donate $670 for the new radiation treatment center.

“It amazed me that so many people were willing to contribute the entire $20 even in this tough economy,” McLemore says. “We are so honored and blessed to have such wonderful staff members at Red Bud Elementary.”

McLemore adds that a new tradition has been started at Red Bud Elementary. “We will do this every year in October,” she says. “And, we will continue to make sure the money benefits the cancer patients of Gordon County.”

A group of Red Bud Elementary students presented the donation recently to Judy Jackson, director of development services for Gordon Hospital, and Lanell Jacobs, the hospital’s director of oncology services.

“This donation is greatly appreciated,” says Jacobs. “We thank the Red Bud Elementary School staff from the bottom of our hearts.”