begins at Edge Regional

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

Nov. 23, 1999 11 PM

Christmas is all about love.

And, each Christmas season, Edge Regional Medical Center offers its community an opportunity to honor and remember loved ones through the "Lights of Love" Christmas Tree campaign.

Lights may be purchased in honor or memory of a loved one for $5 with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraising campaign.

The lights will be strung on a Christmas tree on the lawn of the hospital and will be a constant reminder of the love that surrounds the Christmas season, said Faye Lunsford, ERMC senior circle advisor.

"The ‘Lights of Love’ Christmas tree lighting is a beautiful and meaningful ceremony," she said. "Everyone who attends is touched by it and, for that reason, the ‘Lights of Love’ Christmas Tree has become a local tradition."

The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and will be the highlight of several activities planned for the event.

Everyone is invited to come early and participate in Christmas caroling which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Shelia Jackson and the Lillian Green Singers from the Lillian D. Green Nutrition Center will present special music prior to the lighting ceremony.

As the lighting begins, David Loving, hospital CEO, will read the names of those whose lights are shining so that all may know and remember.

The names of the honorees or memorials will also be on display in the hospital lobby through the holiday season.

"We hope that everyone takes this opportunity to remember a loved one during this special time of year," Lunsford said. "In so doing, they will help win the fight against cancer."

Lunsford also said there is a possibility that Santa Claus will make an appearance at the lighting ceremony.

"We’ve contacted Santa’s elves about his schedule and we’re waiting to hear back from them," she said. "The tree lighting is a family event and we want to make it enjoyable and memorable for everyone."

"Lights of Love" purchase forms are available at the front desk of the hospital and in The Messenger.

For more information, contact Faye Lunsford at 670-5000.