GIM_Jan_Feb 2025 by Golden Isles Magazine

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54 HEART AND HOPE:

Jarette Moran is a 36-year-old breast cancer survivor who resolved to face her battle with strength and a healthy dose of good humor.

59 A WALK OF FAITH:

Charlotte and Micah Lancaster never imagined their two-yearold son would be diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer, but when it happened they relied on faith and family to get them through.

65 IN SICKNESS AND HEALTH: Megan and Evan

Beard have gone through more than most in their marraige. In her own words, Megan shares how the two have weathered Evan’s harrowing journey. 8

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Table of Contents 71 UNWAVERING LIGHT:

71 59

Wiletta McGowen, a decon at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick, has endured many challenges in life, including breast cancer. But to date, there’s nothing that can shake her faith or courage.

76 LIVING THROUGH LEUKEMIA: Chase Busby was

only 3 when he was diagnosed with leukemia but with the support of his mom, Cassie, and dad, Chris, along with his sisters and community, he’s been able to overcome the illness.

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Contributing Writers

Robert Andrews Megan Beard Taylor Cooper Derrick Davis Sam Ghioto Anna Ferguson Hall Michael Hall Dr. Zach Powell Ronda Rich Cynthia Robinson

Contributing Photographers

Priscilal Boudreau Lindy Coffer Terry Dickson Derrick Davis Sam Ghioto Michael Hall Michelle Holton John Krivec

Contributing Designers

Stacey Nichols Donte Nunnally Terry Wilson

Golden Isles Magazine is published six times per year by Brunswick News Publishing Company To subscribe online to Golden Isles Magazine, go to goldenislesmagazine.com/subscribe

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About the Cover: Jarette Moran stands in front of Juliana Lupacchino’s colorful mural outside of The Cottage Custard + Coffee at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Jarette was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 35. She was photographed by John Krivec.

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Submissions Golden Isles Magazine is in need of talented contributors. Unsolicited queries and submissions of art and stories are welcome.

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Please include an email address and telephone number. Submit by email to the editor, Lindsey Adkison: ladkison@goldenislesmagazine.com or by mail to 3011 Altama Ave, Brunswick. Only work accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will be returned.

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Information regarding advertising and rates is available by contacting Jenn Agnew at 912-265-8320, ext. 356 or by email at jagnew@thebrunswicknews.com; Kasey Rowell at 912-2658320 ext. 334 or by email at krowell@ thebrunswicknews.com; or David Colvin at 912-265-8320 ext. 304 or by email at dcolvin@thebrunswicknews.com

All content is copyright of Golden Isles Magazine, a publication of Brunswick News Publishing Company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without express written permission from the publisher. We have sought to ensure accuracy and completeness of the content herein, but neither Golden Isles Magazine nor the publisher assumes responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or other inconsistencies, including those related to quotations. We reserve the right to refuse advertising. All advertisements appearing herein are accepted and published on the representation that the advertiser is properly authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. All ads are paid advertisements and/or gifts given as part of a contractual agreement regarding Brunswick News Publishing Company. Neither Golden Isles Magazine nor the publisher is responsible for any statements, claims, or representations made by contributing writers, columnists, or photographers. Golden Isles Magazine and the publisher are also not responsible for anyone’s reliance on the content included in the publication. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No right for commercial use or exploitation is given or implied.

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Editor’s Note

Secrets to Thriving There’s a parable attributed to the Buddha that I’ve always loved. He likened suffering in the world to a man hit by two arrows. The first arrow represents the natural miseries we suffer in life – aging, disease, and death. Or as Hamlet so eloquently put it “the whips and scorns of time.” These cannot be avoided.

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The second arrow represents how we react to the first, how gracefully we endure the hardships the world thrusts upon us. There’s nothing that can be done about the first arrow, but the second is entirely within our control. It shows us who we truly are. This issue is dedicated to those who have exemplified strength, faith, and courage in the face of daunting challenges. Those who have endured the first arrow with such grace that the second arrow doesn’t really exist.

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To me, that’s the best way to start a new year — with real inspiration rather than superficialities. Don’t get me wrong, I love a “new year, new you” moment as much as anybody, but I think that digging deeper is more important. After all, we don’t know what this year has in store for us. No one does. I hope that everyone reading this (and everyone who doesn’t read this) is showered with nothing but blessings and good times. That’s not realistic though. Like the Buddha said, the arrows are going to come … and it’s up to us as to how we respond to them. So for our first issue of 2025, we’ve featured families and individuals who have the uncovered the secret to thriving — perspective. Each was dealt a completely cruel hand by fate — cancer. Everyone has felt its icy touch — young and old, rich and poor. Even royalty are not immune, as we’ve seen over the past year with both King Charles and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who shared their diagnoses.

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breast cancer journey which she embarked on at just 36 years old. She talks about how her dianosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer changed her life and how she overcame it. Next, we visit with the Lancasters. Their son, John, was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer at just 3 years old. Now thankfully in remission, we talk with his mom Charlotte about how they carried this unbearable burden. They’ve also given back by helping raise funds for a pediatric cancer treatment center. Cynthia Robinson sits down with another family touched by childhood cancer — the Busbys. Their son, Chase, was also 3 when he was diagnosed with Leukemia. They share their journey and how their middle schooler is now living a normal life. Speaking of thriving, the indominable Wiletta McGowen is an absolute pro at this. The breast cancer survivor leaned entirely on her faith to get her through her own battle and the battle of many of her family members, including her daughter who is currently receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer. She’s an absolute queen. And last but not least, in her own first-person account, Megan Beard shares the story of her husband Evan’s cancer journey, and how they are refusing to let the disease steal their joy.

For our part, we’re introducing you to five fantastic families who show that love is truly the best medicine.

This is a powerful issue and we hope that these survivors’ stories will offer you inspiration and courage to endure any of the arrows you may face this year or throughout your life.

In our Heart and Hope feature, we meet cover girl Jarette Moran who shares her

In love and hope — Lindsey

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Word On The Street Cover Chrissy Varnadoe Rutledge: That’s beautiful Lisa Melam Johnston: So cute!

Your reactions sent to us by emails, posts, & tweets

TIME TO GET SOCIAL

Holly Patton: I can’t wait to read it! (Hilliary) is is talented!

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Jerri Blair: Beautiful cover!

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Rusell Hutto: Looking jolly!

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@jackfruitkitchen: WOW! @discovercoastalgeoriga: What a great cover!

A Brunswick Institution Mitzie Vanderbeck: Donte, proud of your hard work. It always pays off. You have had some good training. I know your mom (Gail) is proud of your accomplishments. She should be … congratulations! We enjoy going there! Glenn Hester: Love the fish sandwich and sweet tea there. Ren Halverson: Classic! KL Morris: I need a Willie’s WeeNee Wagon fix! Bob Kelly: Shuck’s does a great job. Willie’s is in good hands!

If you prefer to send us your comments by email, contact Editor Lindsey Adkison at ladkison@goldenislesmagazine.com. Anything posted to our social media accounts or

@jess.l.swann: Looks great!

emailed directly to the editor will be considered for publication. Comments may be edited for clarity or grammar.

@alexaescott: That’s my girl!! Totally rockstar. @emilyburtondesigns: Love these two and their talents … their passion is evident in what they create and produce.

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Dion Davis: Love you guys and are grateful for what you bring to our area … and also those cathead biscuits

Noisemakers: Jackson Bethune Doug Stewart: Great article!! Suzanne Bethune Tucker: LOVE this so much! Lynne Kessler Bethune: Great article! Ellis Tucker: Sooo talented!

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Q AN INFORMATIVE LINEUP OF THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE GOLDEN ISLES

Love Up! Q+A with Stiles Robinson

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HOLTON

f you’ve ever had the opportunity to meet Stiles Robinson, you know you’re lucky. This sweet gal exudes pure joy and sprinkles love wherever she goes. And in the fall of 2023, Stiles found a way to share her sparkle with even more people. With help from her mom, Jennifer, the teenager founded Love Up!, a clothing company that features a meaningful design that she created. We took a moment to sit down and chat with the young entrepreneur to learn more about her brand and her plans for the future. Read on. GIM: Please tell us a bit about yourself, Stiles. Stiles: My name is McKinney “Stiles” Robinson … and my dad’s nickname for me is “Wojo.” I turned 15 years old on December 22, 2024. I am in eighth grade at Glynn Middle School.

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I have one older sister and her name is Madden, one older brother and his name is John Porter, and one younger sister and her name is Harlow. This summer my sister got married, so now I have a brother-in-law and his name is Davis. My mom and dad met and got married on St. Simons and I have lived here my whole life. GIM: What local groups and projects are you involved with? Stiles: I have a full schedule between being in middle school and my extracurricular activities. You can find me either singing in chorus at GMS, or in the drama club, and cheering on our Hurricanes as a cheerleader. I am also on the soccer team and excited because Coach Lemmon is the soccer coach. Outside of school activities, I dance for Christina’s Dance Studio. I also participate in the Penguin Project, which kicks off in January for our 2025 performance of “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Sometimes we have gatherings throughout the year and meet up for bowling or performing at local events. People join Penguin Project as artists and then get paired with mentors who help us learn our scripts and support us on stage. Weekly, I meet with my Gathering Place 707 group and we eat breakfast and learn more about Jesus. GIM: Can you tell us a little bit about Down Syndrome and share a bit of your experience? Stiles: I was born with Down Syndrome and it has made me realize that not everyone is perfect. I may be a little different than some of my friends but my differences aren’t that big to me. I have 47 chromosomes (one extra compared to other people). I don’t see having Down Syndrome as a challenge and I think I can do anything I put my mind to. I love to sing and dance. I am excited to be auditioning for the 2025 season of The Voice. GIM: How did Love Up come to be? Stiles: In October of 2023, the idea of Love Up! was born. My mom and dad say that my love lifts them up and they wanted to help me start a business for me to work in when I am older. My mom gave me a piece of paper and asked me to draw a heart with an arrow pointing up and that was the first art we used to launch the brand. We also took my handwriting and made it into a font. We worked with several local friends to get the prototypes made and fully launched the brand with a website in January 2024. JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2025

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GIM: Talk about your fabulous design and what it means. Stiles: The heart is embroidered and has stitches outlining the heart with an arrow pointing up. There are 47 stitches for my 47 chromosomes. My favorite thing to say to people I love is “You are My Favorite” and that is on the back of some of my sweatshirts. My mom and dad helped me create my brand tagline “Limitless Love, Unlimited Possibilities” because I am full of love and I know my life is full of a lot of possibilities. It has been so fun to hear the stories of people wearing my Love Up Sweatshirt from Kentucky to Texas to California to North Carolina and beyond. It makes me so happy.

GIM: Where can folks get them? Where do the proceeds go, and why is this important to you? Stiles: We have a website where you can buy the sweatshirts shoploveupwithstiles.com. Next year, I will be in high school and then after that my goal is to go to college. My dream is to be in the Clemson Life program. The great thing about my business is that I can continue to grow the brand each and every year. I love my life and I hope I inspire you to never give up. And don’t forget … LOVE UP!

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Taste

of Glynn dishes out menu of aid WORDS BY ANNA FERGUSON HALL PHOTOS PROVIDED

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Twenty-four years. Twenty-four hours. Seven days a week. Countless hours, hundreds of lives, and dozens of hands united by one common thread: a promise of safety. When boiled down, this is the common menu for the Taste of Glynn annual event, said Dottie Bromley, Executive Director of the Glynn Community Crisis Center, and its co-operation, Amity House. Once a year, for two decades, this gathering of tastemakers and sample seekers has worked as an awareness- and fundraising event. Held annually for the center, the event takes months of organization and energy, all conducted by a small staff, core of volunteers and its board of directors. Together, they led the charge to find refuge for domestic violence victims, while also raising awareness about its services. The ongoing efforts of the center’s team revolve around this vow, efforts which play out in a nearly invisible but necessary fashion for clients in Glynn and McIntosh counties. Once a year, the team at the crisis center and its board of directors pull the event together to help generate revenue and support activities not covered by grants.

“Typically, the proceeds from the event account for about one month of the agency’s operating costs,” Bromley said. This year, calendars are marked for January 19, as the King and Prince Golf & Beach Resort on St. Simons again transforms into a dining banquet of the tastemakers and seekers, as a community of chefs, restaurant aficionados, and the community at large share in one occasion, which bursts with sounds, and more so, with flavors. The center itself has been active in the community as an incorporated nonprofit organization for more than 40 years, declaring its title in June 1982, and then a year later, in 1983, it opened the shelter of safety and resources. After that, the nonprofit was able to find additional community support with the event tasting, which dished out its first serving 16 years ago, she said. The primary aim of the event isn’t just to raise funds for the agency, but also to increase awareness about domestic violence in our community and highlight the services the center offers to meet the needs of those served, Bromley said.

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As she has learned, awareness brings change, and change leads to breaking the cycle of violence. Breaking that cycle brings hope for a safer and more stable future. In the event’s early days, Amity House was a nonprofit that operated a safe shelter but had few additional services offered. It was less of a home structure, and more of a place for those in need of help to obtain personal IDs, locate birth certificates, and assist with school enrollment. Some financial support was also offered, namely for women to earmark for public housing deposits when leaving the shelter. “Today, thanks to expanded funding and programming, sheltered and outreach clients have access to Georgia Legal Services, counseling services, transportation assistance, advocacy services to help apply for public housing, food stamps, and social security benefits,” Bromley said. This single event, and the hundreds of tickets sold for it, may be just one evening and a few auction items sold, but it all rolls into aid which makes a difference in the lives of the domestic violence victims and their children, for a lifetime.

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Last year, for example, that single day of events marked months of ongoing planning, adjustments, and dishes du jour. This year hasn’t been much different, which Bromley said is ideal validation that the event not only serves the regional community but also its clients. Clients, she said, who may be new to the safety circle, or returning. “Planning for the event begins in August and doesn’t stop until the event is over the day of,” she said, counting to the total. “Five and a half months, at the very least.” In 2023, the event brought in a hall of renowned dish designers and showcased master recipe-makers, such as those samples served from more seasoned chefs, like those from Little St. Simons Island, to the newer chefs at College of Coastal Georgia. No matter the menu, or résumé of the chefs on hand, the overall goal remains the same, Bromley said. “In some cases, (what we do and what this event contributes to) is literally life-changing, as well as life-saving. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the community — our volunteers, our funders, and our donors,” she said. “It is a way for individuals to support a cause that many are not comfortable publicly acknowledging, while at the same time spending meaningful time with friends enjoying great food.”

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WORDS BY ROBERT ANDREWS PH OTOS BY TERRY DICKSON

Wind offers a connection between life and death

ucked on the gravel garden path from Frederica Road to the Labyrinth at Christ Church is a bridge between life and death. What may look like a yard library or an old-fashioned telephone booth, is actually an art installation. It’s called a wind phone, and the public is invited to pick up the receiver of a disconnected, rotary dial phone to speak to a departed loved one, trusting the wind to carry their message. The first wind phone was created in 2010 by Sasaki Itaru after the death of a relative. He placed it in his garden on the steep slopes of a mountain called Kujira-yam, overlooking the Pacific, next to the city of Otsuchi. Months later, not far away, the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami erupted, killing more than 20,000 people.

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Itaru’s creative concept captured the world’s imagination. Each year, thousands of people worldwide make the pilgrimage to his tiny garden. Now, across the world, wind phones can be found in private homes, parks, gardens, cemeteries, and other public spaces. St. Simons Island’s is one of more than 300 wind phones worldwide. There’s even a international locator and society that promotes this poignant practice. A way to deal with and survive grief, wind phones offer an opportunity to say what needs to be said, reconnect with cherished memories, and express the emotions we frequently struggle to acknowledge or address. For many, wind phones are a deeply moving, life-affirming experience.

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“Grief is one of the most challenging aspects of life. Our loved ones may not be physically present when we do such things, but we believe that through the mystery of resurrection and the movement of the Holy Spirit, our one-way conversation is not in vain,” says Father Tom Purdy, rector of Christ Church Frederica. Christ Church Frederica installed their wind phone before All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1; they wanted it in place before the holidays. For those who are grieving, holidays and anniversaries can be especially difficult. Acknowledging the challenge of facing these days doesn’t make a potentially difficult time any easier, but preparing for them with helpful coping strategies helps provide much-needed comfort.

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“Regardless of who uses it, why they use it, or when they use it, we trust that the Holy Spirit, God’s Holy Wind, will bear its users’ intimate thoughts and prayers to God, and to those they love but no longer see, and touch the hearts of those who grieve,” Purdy says. The Christ Church wind phone is the brainchild of parishioner Randy Siegel. After securing

Father Tom’s approval, Siegel worked with Harry Branch, the church’s sexton, cemetery superintendent as well as a skilled wood worker, to design and build it. They chose a simple design so as not to compete with its wooded environment. When Siegel first learned about wind phones a year ago, he knew the church must have one. “Our historic cemetery is a focal point of the Christ Church Frederica campus. We often see people talk to those who have died or leave notes on their graves,” Siegel says. “In addition to capturing the imagination and inviting introspection, the wind phone gives us another way to feel connected with those loved and lost.”

Elegance in Every

Sparkle

Little did Siegel know back then that he’d be needing one. This past summer, Siegel lost one of his dearest friends, Ginny, to a cancer. “Even though Ginny lived miles away, we talked almost every day. Whether a celebration or a setback, Ginny was the first call I’d make.” Siegel says. “After her funeral, it hit me hard: I could no longer call her.” The desire to communicate with the dead is deeply human. Throughout history, different cultures have sought to do so in different ways. One grief counselor wrote that, “death can feel like someone is out of town, but we don’t have a phone.” Now, Golden Islanders do. Available dawn to dusk, along the path from Frederica to the Labyrinth at Christ Church, the wind phone is available to the public to connect with the dear and departed. • For more information on wind phones or to use the worldwide locator, log onto mywindphone.com.

Timeless

in Every Design

1510 Newcastle Street, Historic Downtown Brunswick cunninghamjewelers.com • 912.265.8652 JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2025

Golden Isles Magazine

wins top prize at Georgia Press Association Awards

he Georgia Press Association awarded Golden Isles Magazine with the state’s top prize — Best Magazine Product — in the summer of 2024. It was the first time the magazine achieved this high honor since it initially won in 2018. For Editor Lindsey Adkison, it was a high point of her five year tenure with GIM. “I’d always hoped we’d be able to earn one of these, but it’s certainly a challenge. You’re competing against amazing publications from throughout the state. It’s such an honor to be recognized by fellow journalists,” she says. “I’m so proud of our staff and so grateful to our subjects for letting us share their stories.” The accolade was one of two first-place wins for the publication, the other being Best Cover Design for the magazine’s 2023 March/April Beauty issue. It featured Adair Werley with a sunflower draped over her eye. It was photographed by Tamara Gibson. The cover was designed by Terry Wilson. GIM also snagged a second-place award for its 2023’s January/February cover featuring Riley Letson,

G O L D E N I S LES

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JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2025

founder of Riley’s Soles for Souls, in a pile of shoes. It was photographed by Priscilla Boudreau of DeVoss Photography. Other GPA honors include second place for Best Magazine Story (Lindsey Adkison), as well as second and third place for Best Magazine Business Feature. Michael Hall received third place in the Best Magazine Human Interest Story. But that wasn’t the only award the publication won in 2024. At the prestigious FOLIO Awards in New York City, the magazine nabbed an honorable mention Ozzie Award (design) for its 2023 July/August cover. Photographer Kyle Morgan captured a blue heron in flight in the Okefenokee Swamp. It was designed by Terry Wilson.

DESIGN | FABRIC | WALLPAPER AND MUCH MORE

“The competition level at the FOLIO Awards is incredibly high. To be honored as one of the best in this industry is beyond thrilling. We are so very grateful,” Adkison says.

100 Sylvan Boulevard Suite 160, St. Simons Island (912) 996-0867

YEA R

ginadlever@gmail.com

Award-Winning, Southern Cooking

This organization operates in New York City, Norwalk, Connecticut, and Rockville, Maryland, and focuses on honoring the top-tier products in the publishing world. This year, contenders for FOLIO awards include publications like Southern Living and Travel + Leisure.

That Will Bring You Back

Because Barbara Jean’s and her family know how to get it done, just ask Coastal Living, Southern Living, and Georgia Trend...

Over the past seven years, the magazine has received seven first-place awards for editorial (Eddie) and design (Ozzie) content in FOLIO’s Eddie & Ozzie contest. It has also taken home 13 honorable mentions.

a, weet Te s of for S t s election e S B te s ble Pla oting u v ta r e g fo e V rs s and ustome b Cake to our c olls, Cra R Thanks & d a ing, Bre rn Cook Southe

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January 26 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host the Peach State Opera, which will stage La Traviata at 3 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org.

february

Around Q the Town january Throughout January Jekyll Island will host its Island Treasures event, an open hunt for handcrafted glass floats. They will be hidden all over the island for visitors to find. For details, visit jekyllisland.com. January 9 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host Cinema Gourmet from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. The film will be “Blade Runner” from 1982. A meal will be served and a talk will be offered. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org. January 19 A Taste of Glynn, a fundraiser for Glynn Community Crisis Center and Amity House, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island. Restaurants from across the county will be on hand to provide samples. Awards will be given for best judged dishes. For details, visit amityhouse.org. January 25 The St. Simons Island Land Trust will hosts its annual Oyster Roast from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Gascoigne Bluff on St. Simons Island. Various restaurants will offer samplings of food and beverages. Tickets are $75 for members and $95 for non-members. For details, visit sslt.org. The Brunswick Stewbilee will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in downtown Brunswick. Teams will serve their recipe and attendees can vote on their favorite. There will also be entertainment and vendors. For details, visit brunswickstewbilee.com. 36

G O L D E N I S LES

Through February Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host its annual Big Read literary event with a number of events planned throughout the month. This year’s book is The Thursday Murder Club, a 2020 mystery by Richard Osman. For a complete listing of events, visit goldenislesarts.org. February 1 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host Mike Wiley performing, “Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart,” at 7:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org. The American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Fashion Show and Luncheon will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at Sea Palms on St. Simons Island. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Live and silent auctions will be held. The pink boxes will return. Tickets are $60. They can be purchased beginning on January 3. They are available at Daisy Mae’s Hallmark Store in Brunswick and St. Simons Drugs Co. on St. Simons Island. They are also available at relayforlife.org/glynncounty. February 3 The Coastal Symphony of Georgia will perform a concert titled Genius at 7:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church on St. Simons Island. Alma Deutscher, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. The soloist will be Alexander Sitkovetsky. Tickets are $50 per person. For details, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org. February 13 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host Cinema Gourmet at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. The film will be Fences from 2016. A meal will be served and a talk will be given. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org. February 14 to 16 The St. Simons Storytelling Festival will be held February 14 to 16 at Epworth By the Sea. A number of professional storytellers from throughout the country will be on hand. For details, visit stsimonsislandstorytellingfestival.com. February 14 and 15 The Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation will host its annual Bridge Run with several events. There will be a Pasta Party and Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. February 14 at the base of the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick. The race

day begins at 6 a.m. February 15 with registration. The first race, the 10K Double Pump, begins at 7 a.m.; at 8:30 a.m. there will be the First Responders Challenge; at 9:30 a.m. the 5K runners will begin; at 10:30 a.m. the walkers will start. To register, visit the-bridge-run.org. February 21 Golden Isles Live! will host The Hall Sisters at 7:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. Adult tickets are $35. Tickets are $10 for students. For details or to purchase tickets, visit goldenisleslive.org. February 23 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host the Jacksonville Dance Theatre at 3 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org. February 28 The Coastal Symphony of Georgia will host its 20th annual Cabaret Disco Night at 6 p.m. at Fredercia Golf Club on St. Simons Island. There will be music from the 60s and 70s. There will be customized cocktails, dancing, a gourmet dinner and a live auction. For details, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2025

Facts

J U ST T H E

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON PHOTOS BY LINDY COFER

A M E R I CA N CA N C E R S O C I ET Y ’ S B R E A ST CA N C E R

Fashion Show

or many, October is the month typically associated with breast cancer awareness. But locally, the disease is a focus throughout the year. The Glynn County branch of the American Cancer Society has hosted its Breast Cancer Fashion Show every February for more than 20 years. The event features models who are survivors and raises funds for area cancer programs. The fashion show will return on February 1st this year, at Sea Palms. The doors will open at 11:15 a.m. and will include a lunch, silent auction, pink mystery boxes, and the show. Tickets are $60. They are available at Daisy Mae’s Hallmark Store in Brunswick and at St. Simons Drug Co. on St. Simons Island. They’re also available at relayforlife.org/glynncouty. Read on to learn more about this inspirational event.

2000 The American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Fashion Show began in 2000.

The committee typically has about 10 members.

10 TO 12 There are typically 10 to 12 models. Some have been men who are breast cancer survivors.

200 There are roughly 200 attendees, plus committee members and models.

G O L D E N I S LES

310,720

Unique

In 2024, The ACS estimates that there will be 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women in the U.S.

Stylish

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Inclusive A curated limited stock, high end boutique for the tall and curvy.

The amount raised has increased every year. It’s now reaching around $40,000 annually.

790 It’s estimated that 790 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. in 2024.

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5 Five local merchants lend their styles to the show each year.

24 This will be the 24th year for the fashion show.

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DUE SOUTH As I was driving down the winding canyon road — where cell service comes and goes, mostly goes — I picked up a message from a Los Angeles television producer named ‘John Pinker.’ He explained in the message that he was writing a movie script on a stock car driver named Alan Kulwicki. He discovered from a story in the New York Times that I had dated Alan.

“I wondered if it might be possible to have a telephone interview about Alan,” he said in his message.

The Meeting of Two Valentines

ours. February 9, 2009. The day we met in California.

I was in Los Angeles because a novel I had written had been optioned by an MGM Studio. I was meeting with two MGM producers on the studio lot on Monday. I had flown in on Saturday for the unhappy event of a memorial for my sweet friend, Joe, who had been a publicist at Paramount for several years and was loved by everyone who was

G O L D E N I S LES

request about someone famous I knew. But I am a journalist, who has had to depend on similar sources, for myself.

WORDS BY RONDA RICH

It wasn’t Valentine’s Day. But, it was

I sighed and rolled my eyes. Another

I called him back and left a message, “Actually, I’m in Los Angeles for anothever in his presence. Joe, at the age of

er meeting. I could have coffee with

37, had died of pancreatic cancer.

you tomorrow after my business lunch.”

He had fought so hard. Cried out his

My hotel was two minutes from his

fears on the phone with me and we

office in Beverly Hills. He drove over to

prayed together, numerous times, for

meet me. On the elevator as I trav-

him to live. Behind his cute smile, he

eled down to the lobby, the thought

left a wife and two small children. She

suddenly occurred to me. “What if his

thought it was befitting to have his me-

name is Tinker not Pinker?”

morial at a small screening theater on the Paramount lot. Joe loved television

It turned out to be Tinker.

sitcoms which run 22 minutes in length. Therefore, Joe’s memorial service ran

For two hours, we talked while he

22 minutes in length.

asked questions about Alan. Deep questions. So deep that melancholy

The next day, I drove up Mulholland

covered me like a cloak for two weeks

Drive to visit a friend who was living

as I reflected back on my years with

in the guesthouse of the remarkable

Alan. The memories dug deep with the

home built by the first man to have his

worse being the recalling of his violent

voice heard on film — Al Jolson in the

death — not in a race car, but in a fiery

Jazz Singer. I am a lover of old Holly-

plane crash.

wood, so I adored it. Yet, something remarkable happened

the day that I met John Tinker. Though

important. I have plans.”

concern over all the money flowing out to attorneys.

I have told this a few times in person, this is the first time in print this story has

Only there wasn’t a man. No one was

appeared.

within 10 feet of me. I turned around and

But, in the end, it became a Cinderella

looked as he turned up the collar of his

story. The slipper fit.

After we said good-bye, shaking hands,

heavy jacket and walked out into the

and I saying, “If you need more re-

blustery day. He did not look back.

search, feel free to call me.” He thanked me and we parted in the center of the

Startled, I walked to the elevator. My

hotel. It was an unusually cold day for

mind was foggy and not clear enough to

Southern California. A light snow had,

think. “I don’t even know if he’s mar-

unbelievably, blown in and closed L.A.

ried or not.” Although I had noticed he

County schools for snow for probably the

wasn’t wearing a wedding band. It’s a

first time in history. It was historic in more

detail I observe in everyone I meet for

ways than one.

the first time.

I took a few steps toward the elevator

As it turned out, he was going through

and, suddenly, a bolt of electricity shot

a tough divorce, one that dragged on

through my body. It was as though I had

for almost three years. From a friend-

touched a bolt of lightning. It stopped me

ship point, I listened to his pain and

in my path. I heard a man’s words boom out at me, “That was important. He is

So, February 9th is always celebrated as our Valentine’s Day. Ronda Rich is the best-selling author of Sapelo Island: A Stella Bankwell Mystery.

troubles. I encouraged him and prayed with him. Sometimes, it was hard to be his friend because of his anger and his

It’s nice to meet you!

Ronda Rich

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N AT U R E C O N N E CT I O N know that alligators and wading birds such as the ones I mentioned above have a symbiotic relationship? These birds’ nest in trees above freshwater ponds. Mammals that are keen on stealing eggs or chicks have to go through alligator territory. Gators will bellow from below and try to scare the chicks off the branches into the water. Of course, sometimes the chicks never become fledglings either. 3. Hiking/Rucking Canon’s Point — Conserved by the Saint Simons Land Trust, Canon’s Point is one of the coolest natural places in the Gold-

Wintertime recreation

months has a lot of recreational potential. Often, the sun warms the day while the temperature can drop starkly in the evening, making camping so much more viable and pleasurable than the grueling summer months. The following are my six recreation recommendations for this winter ordered from easiest to most difficult: *Word of caution: Do not underestimate the risks associated with immers-

G O L D E N I S LES

tabby and wooden ruins amongst the old maritime forest, you are time traveling back to another era of St.

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SAM GHIOTO

The Golden Isles during the winter

en Isles. By stepping foot around the

ing yourself in these landscapes… 1. Bike Jekyll Island — With only onethird of Jekyll developed, immersing yourself in nature is so easy. Right off the main road, you can spot red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, painted buntings, plenty of white-tailed deer, and raccoons. If you find yourself around some fresh water, look for American alligators basking in the sunlight. Often these ponds or slough environments were once shoreline. Sand on the beaches accreted and saltwater pools were created. Overtime, the salt dissipated, transforming into a freshwater wetland. 2. Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge — On the north boundary of McIntosh County, the refuge is home to alligators and a rookery for wood storks, egrets, and herons. Feral hogs congregate in the forests. One time I saw a massive gator lugging around a sizable feral hog in its mouth. Did you

Simons Island which some of the first settlers experienced. Not to mention the Guale Indians inhabited this as well. At the very end of Canon’s Point, shell middens give evidence of Native American adaptation to the island, living off bivalves. With miles of trails, you can spend hours exploring the edges of barrier island maritime forests, edge communities, and marshland. 4. Kayak into Village Creek — Kayaking into Village Creek is an easy way to see a big body of water that is generally safe to explore given the wind is not blowing too hard. Be careful about the tides. At dead low, it’s impossible to make it back to the boat launch without going through the mud. However, if you’re able to manage the tides, low tide is certainly the best time to explore Village Creek because wading and shore birds are feasting along the mud. This winter, you might find some American Oystercatchers among the oyster beds on the other side of Village Creek toward Sea Island.

5. Cumberland Island —

your mind. Of course, you will

Whether you only want a day

see wild horses. Every time

trip out to Carnegie’s mansion

without fail, I seem to come

or are in for an intense multi-

back off the island mesmer-

day hike through the maritime

ized. I know you will be too.

forest (like me), Cumberland has, in my opinion, the best

6. Kayak from Altamaha

nature in the Golden Isles.

Regional Park to Darien —

Checking off every bird you’ll

Kayaking down the Altamaha

see in the rest of the Golden

is incredibly beautiful. With

Isles, you’ll have to bring your

the right tides, you can zip

bird book with you. Be on the

down the river. Cut through

lookout for big white-tailed

Studhorse Creek to Lewis

deer, lazy alligators, feral hogs,

Creek. Bonus points if you can

and even roaming bobcats.

find Rifle Cut. Stop down at

In fall 2023, I saw a bobcat

Skippers for a beer and some

peruse the mighty dune sys-

oysters. On the route, you’ll be

tem not too far from the ferry

fully immersed in the river. You

dock. Consider yourself lucky if you ever see one. With ten thousand acres of wilderness and a 17-mile-long beach,

might see some alligators and slider turtles. You should use a map and consult SouthEast

Cumberland Island has many

Adventure Outfitters for tips if

distinct features that will blow

you’re looking to do this.

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BY DESIGN Michelle grew up in Mountain Brook, Alabama, and went on to pursue art in college. She attended Auburn University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design. “I moved to Atlanta after graduation and worked in graphic design for many years, but I always continued with my illustrations and painting. On nights and weekends on the side, I would show in festivals and I worked in an art gallery,” she says. “Eventually, I started my own hand-painted ceramics company, and my wholesale ceramics line was picked up by Neiman Marcus and several other small

Vibrant color brings cheer to interiors

boutiques. However, once I became pregnant with my first child I decided to give it up because some of the glazes I used contained lead … a choice I was

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTO BY MICHAEL HALL

fine with, because I firmly believe everything happens for a reason.”

from watercolors to oils to acrylics, detailed to abstract to whimsical. I’m really inspired to paint objects and animals that bring me joy. I get the same response from people who visit my gallery,

After that, she decided to try her hand at a different type of design — interiors. Michelle started a design company with a friend, focusing primarily on children’s rooms in the Atlanta area.

it makes them happy, which is always great to hear.” Finding joy in art has always been the driving force behind her work. The journey, she says, really began when she was just a child.

Stepping into Michelle Stagg Ottley’s

“I did a lot of custom murals and art for our interior design clients too,” she says. That experience comes in handy today, as she’s become a permanent artist and resident of St. Simons Island. She’s able to help guide customers who visit her at M.S.

cozy art gallery, one is swept away in a

“My father was a painter and a graphic

sea of happy hues. Bamboo frames and

designer. He mainly painted aviation art,

Ottley Art Gallery, located at 215 Mallery

canvases dot the walls. They contain a

but like all artists, he painted a variety of

St., within the Pier Village Market.

variety of her colorful creations — from

subjects and in different styles,” she says.

birds situated on brightly-patterned backgrounds to beloved pets captured in miniature portraits. “I think it’s obvious, I love color,” Michelle confesses with a laugh, seated in her boutique. “I paint a bit of everything ...

G O L D E N I S LES

“I’m always happy to help clients pick out “We traveled throughout Europe, often

pieces for their space. You certainly have

going to art museums. I think I was only

to think about the size of the artwork in

10 years old the first time I visited the

proportion to your interior space. You

Louvre. My mother was quite creative

don’t want to undersize your art. Or, to

as well, so I was raised around art. Both of my parents inspired and encouraged my creative spirit.”

fill up a larger space, you can arrange smaller pieces of art to create a gallery wall,” she says.

“I don’t believe you have to match your art to the sofa and the rest of the room’s furnishings. I’m a big advocate that one should buy art because it sparks a fond memory or good feel-

a way of life on the coast

ing. In other words, art should make you happy. Maybe a new piece will inspire you to add more color or switch things up.” It means the world to her when clients tell her that her work brightens their days. That can be a bird painting or one of her abstract pieces. “I have several clients that are bird lovers, like myself, but I also have clients who prefer the abstracts or the whimsical Chinoiserie and Grand-millennial Style art. Everyone is different. The most important thing is to find what speaks to you,” she says. To help her shoppers find the perfect piece, Michelle stocks an assortment of original art and reproduction prints, along with her signature gold bamboo frames and mats. “I create hand-painted mats in a variety of patterns and colors. The mats just add another layer of fun and uniqueness to the framed piece. I’m happy to paint custom colors, too. Clients can mix-and-match the art and mats themselves or

50 AVIATOR PLAZA #105 | SAINT SIMONS ISLAND, GA 31522 SALTWATERBOYSCO.COM | (912) 581-0008

I’m happy to design it for them,” she said. Of course, she always loves getting outside of her gallery and meeting new faces. She’s a mainstay at local art markets and is always thinking of new ways to engage with clients. “I love meeting new people and getting their feedback. I also love thinking of new items to paint and create. I am currently working on designing hand drawn and painted custom monograms and crests. These can be used for a wide variety of products from personal stationery, weddings, invitations, and announcements to hand-painted bottles of champagne, wine or liquor to celebrate that special occasion,” Michelle says. While her artwork is the primary focus within the gallery, Michelle also offers a few pieces of boldly-painted furniture in the Hollywood Regency style along with other curated home decor items that compliment her artwork.

BREAKFAST available all day

“I’m bringing in as many Hollywood Regency style furnishings

Classic lunch options + specials

as I can ... as the space allows,” she says with a smile. • To learn more about Michelle Stagg Ottley and her work, visit msottleyart.com.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2025

LIVING WELL

Pediatric dentistry keeps kids’ smiles bright

WORDS BY DR. ZACH POWELL One of the main goals of pediatric dentistry is to prevent dental problems before they occur. This is done through

We are trained to work with children

regular dental check-ups, cleanings,

who may be anxious or fearful about

and preventive treatments such as

going to the dentist. We use years of

fluoride applications and sealants. By

experience and techniques to help

starting dental visits at an early age,

children feel comfortable and relaxed

children can develop good oral care

during their appointments, such as

habits that will last a lifetime.

using child-friendly language, providing distractions like toys or television, and

Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. It is essential for parents to understand the importance of pediatric dentistry and ensure their child receives proper care from a young age.

G O L D E N I S LES

lems from developing later on.

Regular dental visits also allow us to

offering gentle and compassionate

monitor the growth and development

care.

of a child’s teeth and jaws. This is important because it can help detect

In addition to preventive care, we

and correct any potential issues early

are also able to treat common dental

on, such as misaligned teeth or bite

problems that children may face, such

problems. Early treatment of these

as cavities, gum disease, and tooth

issues can prevent more serious prob-

injuries. We are skilled at providing

restorative treatments like fillings, crowns,

areas, we want to do our best to serve

year, Dr. Will Whatley’s pediatric practice

and extractions in a way that is gentle

those and the communities around us with

joined the group as Coastal Kids Dentistry.

and effective for young patients. For those

outstanding, personable dentistry.

Preventive education, senior dental care,

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we provide services to make those worries

Dr. Zach Powell served as the 2022 Pres-

rural healthcare initiatives are near and

melt away such as laughing gas and

ident of the Georgia Dental Association,

dear to his heart.

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representing over 4,000 dentists. He was appointed to the faculty at the Dental

Overall, pediatric dentistry plays a cru-

College of Georgia, and has traveled

cial role in ensuring the oral health and

extensively speaking and lectur-

well-being of children. By seeking regular

ing throughout the state. He has

care from a pediatric dentist, parents can

treated tens of thousands of pa-

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practices at Dentistry in Redfern

If you have a child, be sure to schedule

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Dr. Powell is the CEO of a dental

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While access to care is limited in too many

care all around the state of Georgia. Last

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What’s the Cost of Retirement?

WORDS BY ANDREW PARKER | PROVIDED PHOTO

Retirement planning is a central topic in many of our lives. Some people have crafted detailed, long-term plans that project a clear path, while others are piecing together ideas and estimates like an unfinished puzzle. Whether your plan is based on a meticulously completed spreadsheet with monthly budget projections or a rough guess at annual expenses, the key to successful retirement planning lies in understanding the

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actual cost of living the life you want.

planning for retirement, it’s easy to fixate on financial factors, but lifestyle con-

First, consider where you want to live. Is

siderations, too, have immense value.

it along a serene coast, in a mountain

A fulfilling retirement is about time and

town, a bustling city, or perhaps in a new

energy as much as it is about finances.

country? Each choice carries a unique price tag. By understanding what it will

For many, staying in their own home

cost to live in your desired environment

seems more economical. However,

and maintain a specific lifestyle, you can

hidden costs of homeownership in

make informed decisions about your

retirement can add up quickly—routine

financial needs. Once you identify these

maintenance, property taxes, yard work,

costs, you can prioritize and assign value

and, potentially, more frequent medi-

to them. What aspects of your retirement

cal care if your mobility decreases over

lifestyle are non-negotiable, and which

time. These expenses strain your finances

ones are flexible?

and require ongoing time and physical effort, which can become challenging

Equally important is reflecting on the cost

as you age.

of not living as you wish. How much do you value the time spent with family and

From a financial standpoint, moving to a

friends, new experiences, entertainment,

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philanthropy, or simply happiness? When

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consolidate many everyday expenses, like utilities, home maintenance, dining, and entertainment, into a single, predictable monthly fee. If the community offers a Life Plan option, it provides additional reassurance, giving you access to a continuum of healthcare services as you need them, which can safeguard both your lifestyle and assets in the long run.

In comparing the true costs, many retirees find that they’re spending more to stay in their homes than they would in a senior living community. These communities often have systems in place to deliver luxury services and amenities more efficiently. The monthly fees in a senior community generally cover property taxes, home maintenance, utilities, and programming for social events, dining, and wellness classes. This arrangement allows you to manage your budget better and minimize unexpected expenses.

Retirement planning, however, extends beyond money management; it’s about choices supporting your well-being, security, and happiness. For instance, communities like Marsh’s Edge Life Plan Retirement Community on St. Simons Island offer an appealing mix of affordability, quality, and community living. With amenities that cater to a maintenance-free lifestyle, gourmet dining options, wellness programs, and rich social calendars, Marsh’s Edge is designed to support a comfortable, vibrant retirement. Here, residents can enjoy the financial benefits of community living while maintaining an active and engaging lifestyle.

Making decisions about your future can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s moving to a retirement community, managing healthcare, or ensuring a legacy for loved ones, these choices are important, and proactive planning makes a difference. Having open conversations with family members about your wishes can help ease the transition into retirement and shape it into a rewarding, enriching experience.

In summary, planning for retirement involves much more than budgeting; it’s about choosing a lifestyle that supports your values, relationships, and aspirations. While the thought of moving to a retirement community may seem like a big step, the benefits of a well-rounded, supportive environment may offer both financial savings and a significantly enhanced quality of life. Taking the time now to make proactive decisions about your future could mean a secure, comfortable, and genuinely fulfilling retirement.

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GAME CHANGERS field, helping spur the Terrors to three region championships. He ran track as a senior, competing in the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter runs individually, and as a member of the 4x800-meter relay that finished 12th at the Class 6A Track and Field State Championships. But there was something special about cross country for Bulatao. Although he competed in the sport all four years of high school, and served as team captain for three of those seasons, Bulatao took his dedication to the sport to another level during the COVID quarantine to set up a senior campaign that saw him set the school mark for in the 5K on four separate occasions and finish 10th in the state meet. Bulatao was voted the Altamaha Area Male Runner of the Year as a senior, and he graduated with a 4.0 GPA and committed to Georgia College and State University to run cross country while majoring in pre-engineering.

Phillip Bulatao

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY DERRICK DAVIS

Life just isn’t fair.

Phillip Bulatao made a name for himself throughout Glynn County through his kindness and his affability. Bulatao was also one of the healthiest people around as a three-sport athlete at Glynn Academy who was routinely

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running hundreds of miles a month. No matter how you look at it, it doesn’t seem just that Bulatao would be stricken with a rare neurological disorder that has had him hospitalized and bed-ridden since May. Bulatao was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a disorder in which a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks part of their peripheral nervous system — the network of nerves that carries signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Just three years ago, Bulatao was completing a prep career at Glynn Academy, that saw him star in three different sports. Bulatao spent four years on the soccer

Even as Bulatao excelled on the collegiate level, earning a spot on the All-Peach Belt Sportsmanship Team, he still made time to give back to his hometown and the student-athletes who looked up to him. “He’s a legend in the sport,” said Glynn Academy Cross Country Coach Chris Gunter. “All the runners we have now know that he had records on the team. He really set a different standard for the boys team, and that’s something that me and the older boys always go back to when we’re having our chats before practice and before meets — just have that tough mentality like Phillip would.” Bulatao had just wrapped up his third season at Georgia College and State University, and was preparing to transfer to the University of Georgia to continue his academic and athletic career when his life was uprooted. The cause of Guillian-Barré Syndrome is unknown, with about 50% of cases occurring after a microbial infection followed by the rapid onset of numbness, weakness and even paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles and face.

The autoimmune disorder rendered Bulatao unable to physically stand, a devastating blow for anyone, let alone a young, energetic athlete who was regularly running 100 miles a week. Bulatao was accepted into the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for neurologic rehabilitation in June, and the community has since come together to help his family pay for medical care and the various expenses that have quickly piled up. It has been a difficult battle, and one that is still being fought, but a significant milestone was reached in October — Bulatao was finally able to transition back to the Golden Isles to continue his therapy at home. “Hey team. Nico here again. It’s been quite the journey thus far,” Bulatao’s brother Nicholas wrote via GoFund-

Me. “Philip’s been through hell and high water, but I’m happy to say that we are finally home. There have been a lot of adjustments that have been made here to our house, but we are transitioning probably as best we can. We’ve purchased so much equipment using the money from this donation fund. Things like his medications and medical bills, medical supplies, an accessible van, a ramp, his continued therapy regimens, and I’m sure plenty more that I can’t think of at the moment.

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“My family and I thank every one of you for your generosity. It has been such a lifesaver.” If you would like to donate to Bulatao’s cause, the GoFundMe is available at https://www.gofundme. com/f/c7qyt-philips-recovery-fund.

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THE DISH balance, and that’s one of the ways he does it. That’s not to say some Italian influence won’t seep its way into ECHO’s offerings, but it’s not something he wants to do full-time. Seafood is a through-line in his culinary resume. Most of his career, he’s worked in cooking styles and heritages that emphasize seafood. No stranger to five-star resorts, Chef Johnson’s career has taken him to Ritz-Carlton properties, Eau Palm Beach, and Sea Island.

Echo serves up fresh flavors

WORDS BY TAYLOR COOPER | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HALL

Chef Chris Johnson has the chops one would expect at a high-class establishment like ECHO. He first discovered his passion for cooking early, gaining extensive experience working in restaurants and resorts nationwide before taking up his current position at the King and Prince. Italian, Mediterranean, French-Asian fusion and “Floribbean” are all in his wheelhouse. And he wasn’t kidding when he said his love of cooking started early. A self-professed “food lover”, he would often spend time in the kitchen. Italian food was what ultimately did him in and by the time he was 14, Johnson knew he was pursuing a culinary career. There were lots of ways he immediately described Italian food, in a word, or two:

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He started in his role at Echo in August of last year, leaving the Sea Island Co.’s culinary team, and prior to that, he came to the Golden Isles from Sarasota, Florida, leaving his position there at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar. While he was familiar with Southern cooking before, Johnson recalled it was where he really delved into it. You could call it a culinary baptism by fire. “Some days, I would have to clean 200 pounds of fish before I got going,” he says.

“good and homey.” Of course, there’s a difference between theory and execution. He knew he wanted to cook and eventually be a chef, but actually going about that was something different. Enter the famed cook and TV show host, Chef Emeril Lagasse. He can clearly recall watching Lagasse prepare a venison back strip and pancakes with fresh maple syrup, a very niche dish but one that very much enjoyed watching Lagasse create. “The first time I watched him, I knew I wanted to do that,” Johnson says. Italian dishes can be extremely complex and offer a world of flavor in a small package. It can be spicy, sweet, savory, you name it. And while Johnson could likely whip up some dish you’ve never heard of, he really has a love for the simple things. Some fresh, genuine bolognese sauce and good pasta is perhaps one of the most basic dishes, but impossible to top if made right. One might think that someone with a love for Italian would want to work in an Italian restaurant, but not so for Johnson. He likes cooking Italian dishes at home, but one has to maintain a work-life

You can find a fair number of people who would say the Florida coast isn’t really the South, but it’s close enough that Johnson says he’s got a good grip on the basics. “For me coming in, I’m thinking of Hoppin’ John, good Southern succotash, different types of hash,” says Johnson. Being on the coast itself here in the Golden Isles, the King and Prince puts a heavy emphasis on Southern hospitality. The food is no different. When he came on board, Johnson said he learned the restaurant’s style is Southern Georgia through and through with a coastal flair. Tomato bases are common, as is a family of dishes known as cioppino, although in Georgia it’d be called something very different. Also known as fisherman’s stew, it incorporates a medley of fresh seafood in a rich tomato and wine broth. While cioppino is Italian in origin, many of the same principles apply to Southern coastal fare. “You can take that idea and gear it for here,” Johnson says. A chef is many things aside from a simple

cook. One of his other 10 roles, he jokes, is a leader of the restaurant crew. If asked to describe his own leadership style, Chef Johnson would say he leans heavily toward teaching and collaboration rather than an iron-fist approach. “The first job of a chef is to be a teacher. Learning, teaching, and growing with my team is truly rewarding,” Johnson says. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some incredible chefs and teams throughout my career, and the lessons I’ve learned about humility and passion are ones I carry with me every day.” Having built up such a deep repertoire, Johnson looks forward to walking into a new job. Getting the lay of the land and putting his own mark on a new place is one of the fun parts of a job. He brings a particular kind of cooking style that’s likely to influence ECHO’s menu. For more information about The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort and its culinary offerings, visit kingandprince.com. For more information on ECHO, including the menu, visit echostsimons.com. The recipe for this entry of The Dish is a doozy, but with its savory duck and sweetand-smooth parsnip puree, it’s well worth the effort. “It’s a good dish with earthy flavors,” Johnson says.

JUNIPER-SMOKED Duck

prepared with Parsnip Purée and Brussels Sprouts and finished with Port Fig Sauce — Serves 4

Parsnip Purée 1 pound parsnip 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup chicken stock 2 ounces butter 1 lemon Salt to taste Directions: Peel the parsnips and cut into 1-inch chunks. Add parsnips, cream, chicken stock, and butter to a medium saucepan. Place on medium high heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and let cook until the parsnips are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Strain the parsnips but save the liquid. Place the parsnips into a blender and add half the liquid. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick add more of the leftover liquid until the purée reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and lemon juice.

Bacon Vinaigrette 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ½ cup canola oil ½ cup bacon fat (warmed through so you can pour it) Salt to taste Directions: Place the mustard and vinegar in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Starting with the canola oil, slowly drizzle into the vinegar and mustard while continually whisking. Alternate the oil and the bacon fat ¼ cup at a time until fully combined. Season with salt to taste.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts 1 pound Brussels sprouts 3 tablespoons canola oil Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Start by cleaning the Brussels Sprouts. Using a paring knife, cut the bottom ¼ inch off the Brussels sprout and peel the outside leaves off until the color is a solid green and there are no blemishes. Cut them in half. Toss the Brussels Sprouts in the oil, salt, and pepper. Place on a baking sheet lined with either parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure they are in one solid layer across the baking sheet and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Pull and let cool.

Brussels Sprouts for dish 1 pound cleaned and roasted Brussels sprouts 3 ounces bacon vinaigrette ½ cup dried cranberries 2 quarts vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Using a heavy bottom pot, pour oil into the pot and bring up to 350 degrees using medium to medium high heat. In batches, fry the Brussels sprouts until crispy and browned, five to six minutes. Place the fried Brussels into a medium bowl and toss with the bacon vinaigrette and Dried Cranberries. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Port Fig Sauce 1 cup dried figs 2 cups port wine 2 cups chicken stock 3 tablespoons diced shallots 2 tablespoons chopped garlic 2 tablespoons oil Salt and Pepper to taste Directions: Using a medium saucepan, sauté the garlic, shallots in the oil until they start to brown. Add the port wine and reduce to cook off the alcohol, be careful not to catch the port on fire. Let this simmer until the port is reduced by half. Using a paring knife, remove the tops of the dried figs and cut in half. After the port has reduced, add the figs and the chicken stock. Simmer everything together until the liquid has reduced by one quarter. Place into a blender and blend until there are no more chunks.

Duck 4 skin-on duck breasts Ground juniper berries Salt and Pepper Smoker Directions: First chill your duck in the freezer until firm but not frozen, this will make it easier to score the skin. Using a sharp knife, cut lines across the skin of the duck a half inch apart being careful not to cut all the way through the skin. You are then going to turn the duck breast quarter turn and make the same cuts going the other way also a half inch apart making small diamonds in the skin. Scoring your skin helps to render the fat when you do the cooking process. Season the breasts liberally with the juniper on all sides followed by the salt and pepper and chill in the refrigerator. While the duck is chilling, start the smoker and bring up to 150-200 degrees with maximum smoke. Once preheated, place the duck into the smoker for 10-15 minutes. After the duck has been smoked and cooled, place the breast skin side down in a cold pan and put on the burner on medium to medium high heat. Let the fat render out of the skin until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Turn and sear the flesh side for an additional 2-3 minutes for a medium rare duck.

MONTH/MO N T H 2018

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY JOHN KRIVEC

Heart and Hope: A 36-year-old Breast Cancer Survivor Shares Her Story

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It was a blustery, cloudy day, but the mood was bright inside the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resorts’ wedding cottage. The historic hotel generously offered this lovely location, one that’s given brides and bridesmaids the perfect place to prepare for their big days.

Sip, Savor, Smile ...

While this wasn’t a wedding, it was also special occasion, a celebration, even if it was a small group of revelers.

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At just 36 years old, Jarette Moran had recently completed her treatment for breast cancer. She sat stark straight as Kelli Pospisil gently swept pink eyeshadow across her closed lids. “I don’t usually wear makeup … I keep it pretty natural,” she told Pospisil, a Jacksonville-based makeup artist. It was an unexpected journey for the young Brunswick native, one that no one wants to embark on. But even spending a short time with Jarette, a single word seems to crop up more than any other — “blessed.”

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“I’ve been blessed to have such a good village. My mom, my dad, my brothers, Justin and James, my aunt, my cousins, my friends,” she says. “I really had a good support system when it came to my treatment. You know, you make lemonade out of lemons.” Her optimism and positivity are hallmarks of her personality. They certainly seem to have helped during her battle, which began on the opposite side of the country. “I was born and raised in Brunswick, but work for the government, so I was in San Francisco for seven and a half years,” she says. “I was out there when I found the lump … in July 2022. The only reason I found it was because my gynecologist told me to make sure I knew what was normal for me, and that way, I could identify if something was wrong.” It was sage advice, and Jarette was diligent in her selfchecks. When she found the lump positioned under her arm, she decided to wait until she returned home to have it examined. “Looking back on it, I shouldn’t have waited, but I was going home soon. So, it was November, and I went to the Mayo Clinic because my grandmother had been there, and I knew they were legit,” she says.

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When she received her results, Jarette’s fears were confirmed. It was cancer, and it was an aggressive form.

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“It was January 12, 2023 … and it was confirmed that it was Triple Negative Breast Cancer, stage one,” she says. “There are different types of breast cancer, and Triple Negative is one of the more aggressive forms. It is more commonly found in African American women, too.” The diagnosis, understandably, shook her to her core. Not only because she was now a cancer patient but because her father was one, too.

“Around the same time, he found out that he had prostate cancer. Thankfully, it was in its early stages. They were able to get his treatment started early, and it was really quick,” she said. Jarette was also starting treatment, but her journey was a bit longer. Patients are often given a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

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“(Doctors) are still trying to figure out the best way to treat Triple Negative Breast Cancer; it’s not the same for everyone,” she says. “But, by February, I had started chemo … and I tried to embrace the journey. When I was losing my hair, my eyelashes, and my eyebrows, you know, I’d say, ‘Well, I have a shorter morning routine now.’ ‘I get to try out different hairstyles with wigs.’ ‘It’s hot in Georgia anyway.’ But it is really challenging.” One of the most difficult aspects was knowing how it would impact her parents. “I mean, you never want your parents to worry about you, even though they see the physical changes from the medicine,” she says.

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That’s why it was vital for her to make sure she was taking care of her mental health as well. Jarette saw a therapist who helped her process her feelings. “I would just say, ‘It’s a bump in the road.’ And my therapist was like, ‘No, this is serious. Don’t downplay this.’ It’s OK to have these feelings and to acknowledge them,” she recalls. While she did her best to remain upbeat, she made sure to make room for sadness and frustration. “You never want to be angry with God, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wonder, ‘why me?’ Like, ‘what did I do wrong?’” she says. “But he doesn’t put more on you that you can bear. Though there were times I was like, ‘can I bear this?’” While allowing space for those feelings, Jarette vowed not to let negative emotions consume her. Instead, she kept her head up and her mind focused.

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“You give yourself that time, but you don’t want to wallow. And, you know, I had business to take care of. I can’t afford to sit too long, because I want to beat it,” she says. That included two rounds of chemo and a lumpectomy. “I was blessed because of the size of it and location. Since it didn’t spread, I was a good candidate for that. Plus, the likelihood of it coming back is the same whether I had a lumpectomy or a mastectomy,” she says. The next phase of her treatment was radiation.

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“That was two or three weeks, every day, Monday through Friday. I was driving back and forth every day from Brunswick to Jacksonville. It was a lot,” she says. She finished her treatment with chemo pills, officially ending it in April 2024. While it was a relief to be done, there were a lot of unanswered questions. “There’s really no roadmap going forward. Really, all they tell you to do is eat healthy and exercise, which you should be doing anyway,” she says. “It’s honestly a little terrifying because you’re wondering if it will come back. You just have to say a prayer and do the best you can.” However, one thing she can do is support others and raise awareness.

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“Of course, the biggest thing is to check yourself regularly. And if you find something, don’t wait,” she says. “You have to advocate for yourself because nobody else will.”

A family’s battle with stage- 4 kidney cancer

It was a flawless spring day in 2017. It’s a day Charlotte Lancaster will never forget. The sky was crystal clear and her two-year-old son, John Bertram, happily splashed in the ocean with his friends.

A Walk

of Faith: WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HOLTON

“I am so thankful for that perfect day, the day before the world came crashing down around me like a terrible and unexpected turn of the tides,” she said. It was later that day, when Charlotte — along with her husband Micah — were getting the toddler ready for spring pictures, that the they noticed an oval lump on the child’s abdomen. Since he had a history with hemangioma, she thought it might be another hernia. Even so, they made an appointment with his pediatrician the next morning. It was under the sterile light of the doctor’s office that the situation proved to be more serious than she could have ever imagined.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2025

“Our doctor quickly sent us to Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville for further examination and scans. There, the tidal wave hit,” she says. Micah was able to join his family there to receive the heartbreaking news — their baby had stage four kidney cancer, with metastatic sites on his lungs and liver. Naturally, the diagnosis absolutely crushed the young couple. “My mind swam. How could there be a baseball-sized tumor inside of his little body? How could we have not known? Visions of that perfect day kept flashing in my mind,” she says. But there was no time to pause and question. To save John

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unable to be removed due to involvement of the splenic vessels, pancreas, and colon. This is uncommon for Wilm’s tumors, so the prognosis was no longer clear.”

Bertram’s life, treatment had to begin immediately. “Two days later, he underwent surgery to place his port and remove what doctors believed to be an intact Wilms tumor along with his left kidney. Unfortunately, the surgeons were confronted with complications. They discovered the tumor involved other vital organs and had ruptured, which was not depicted in the scans,” she says. “The kidney and tumor were

The hours after that first surgery were terrifying as the couple didn’t know if their little boy would live or die. Charlotte vividly remembers passing that time deep in prayer, hoping she would be able to take her baby home while simultaneously finding a solace in surrender. “I’ve faced firsthand the fragility of a child’s life, how it feels to hear, ‘He may not make it through the night …’ I placed my son at the feet of Jesus and whispered, ‘He was yours first, and I will still love you if you

choose to take him …’ while every fiber of me prayed and fought for him to stay,” she says. The next few weeks were a blur of needles, scans, tubes, and tears. As his mother, Charlotte sought out ways to ground her own fear in order comfort her son. “You reach into your faith and hold on. Things are moving whether you like them or not. The biggest thing for us was trying to keep things as normal as we could for him,” she says. Two weeks after surgery, John Bertram began chemo treatments to shrink the rapidly growing tumor. “In that short time, it had run out of space to grow. He was unable to walk without crying or eat comfortably. We were relieved when the effects of chemo kicked in and began to shrink the tumor,” she says.

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“After the twelfth week of chemo, surgeons were able to successfully remove his tumor along with his left kidney.” But the battle wasn’t over yet. John Bertram went on to receive 11 rounds of radiation and an additional 21 weeks of chemotherapy. “My dad came down to help. He is also a cancer survivor,” she says. And then, in December 2017, just as seemingly quickly as it had appeared, his fight was over.

2025 Dates To Remember

John Bertram was declared cancer free. “His port was removed in January 2018. For a few years, he scanned every three months, then every six months, and then once a year. He’s now able to provide labs each year,” she says.

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“Due to the intense nature of his treatment and the side effects, he has annual tests with a pulmonologist and cardiologist. Looking at him today, you’d never know he has been through so much.” Now, he’s a thriving fourth grader who enjoys robotics, Legos, gaming, golf, and fishing. The family also welcomed a little girl, Libby, who is in kindergarten. While their family’s life is now back on track, there’s not a day that goes by that Charlotte doesn’t think about their journey and all of the love they received from friends, neighbors, and even strangers. The Busby family, whose son Chase battled Leukemia, visited the Lancasters in the hospital to offer their support. “We hugged, cried, and watched as our two cancer fighters played with Legos together on the hospital bed. She offered her support, advice, and companionship,” she says. “She was and is such an inspiration. I’ll always admire her for being there, showing up, and sharing. I’ll never forget her confidence as she held out her arms.” Yellow ribbons appeared on mailboxes throughout the Lancasters neighborhood, while the family was showered with both meals and prayers.

“I am so thankful for that perfect day, the day before the world came crashing down around me like a terrible and unexpected turn of the tides.”

And now that they’ve found themselves on the other side of the journey, Charlotte says they hope to give that same sense of love and support to others. That’s especially true for those family who are trodding the path they have traversed. One way they’ve actively done that is by staying in close contact with Nemours Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville. “There is no greater comfort or provision of hope for parents in the midst of this journey than knowing your child is in the absolute best hands. Nemours doctors are the best. I’m not just saying that,” she says. “When you find out your kid has cancer, you start researching, calling people, have those people call people to make sure your child receives the highest quality of care possible. Those doctors saved our son.” The Lancasters were approached us about generating funds to name a room in honor of John Bertram. But they knew their son wasn’t the only child locally who has fought this battle. The family rallied their band of dedicated supporters. “Refresh and Refine held an event, Jeanie Beth Baxter connected us with her husband, Dave Baxter of

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Sapelo Equipment Supply, and Shay Heckle embraced our cause for Redfern Goes Gold,” Charlotte says. Together, they raised over $30,000 to name a treatment room in honor of the fighters, survivors and angels in the area. “We remembered all of those names that warmed our hearts from our own area. It is named Golden Isles Pediatric Cancer Fighters. It is on the fifth floor of Nemours on their new oncology floor,” she says. “We hoped by naming a room linked to our area we could share the warmth and hope we felt during such a difficult time knowing that someone from home truly cared.” The Lancasters know how much that means. The love and support is what carried them through their darkest days. “It’s so cliché to say, but everyone has a story. What makes a difference is who shows up in your story. In our community, everyone shows up,” she says. “That’s what makes it so special. We fill in the gaps for one another, and not in a cookie cutter type of way. Everyone steps up to fill in as different and difficult seasons hit us all. We’re a team.”

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IN SICKNESS

AND HEALTH JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2025

“This isn’t happening.” Those were the words that slipped out of Dr. Whitehead’s mouth as he stepped out of the horrible white room where he’d just delivered a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis to my 23-year-old husband, Evan. He said what I was thinking, except his words were not of disbelief but of fact. He was going to be sure that whatever was happening was going to stop happening. He catapulted us down to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville within 24 hours. Specialists that take months to see opened their schedules for the young husband and father of two little boys, 2 yearold Benjamin and 4 month-old Noah. Our first meeting was with Dr. Horacio Asbun, whose suave looks lent more to him playing a doctor on television than a real-life Mayo Clinic doctor. He pushed up his Mayo-blue wire-rimmed glasses as he lovingly explained that the odds were stacked against us. Baby Noah sat on my lap, his head resting back on my chest, my forearms wrapped firmly around his squishy belly like he was the only thing keeping me from falling right off this planet. He locked eyes with Evan and said, “You’re going to have to fight with everything you’ve got to get through this. But you can do it. You can.” He looked over at me and softened at Noah’s blue-eyed gaze and gummy smile. “You have so much to live for. And we’re going to be with you every step of the way,” he said as he motioned to the three additional staff members he’d brought with him. I hadn’t even noticed them until that moment.

There is solace in knowing that suffering was not invented with us. Since the dawn of humanity, we have been raising babies as wars raged, famine struck, and whips cracked. I know there is an ancient indelibility of spirit that supersedes my modern weakness if I choose to tap into it.

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They all smiled and nodded as tears escaped each of their eyes, carving rivers down their cheeks before splattering across their white coats. There was not a dry eye in the room, Dr. Asbun’s included, as he handed over sobering marching orders. It was clear: we were in the fight for Evan’s life. I stared across at Evan, feeling like a chasm lay between us and no matter how hard we stretched our lanky arms toward one another we could never bridge the divide. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears. I could feel my brain and bones liquifying.

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I wondered how we were in this room hearing these words when just yesterday we were high schoolers spending lazy summer days riding bikes under the moss-draped oaks of St. Simons. Wasn’t it yesterday we were loitering in Wake Up Coffee, splitting one drink and occupying a table for hours with loud games of Egyptian Rat Screw? How are we here, in this sterile room, being told that we would have to give everything we’ve got to keep the curtain from closing on our 3 year marriage? Survival became, and remains, the focus of our young lives. For nearly seven years we have been on this roller coaster. We had a good run after ringing the bell the first time. We even snuck in the birth of our perfect little girl, Rivi. But when she was 6 months old, in the midst of a raging pandemic, Evan’s first recurrence was discovered and we’ve been beating back the cancer with near-constant surgeries, radiation, and systemic therapies since then.

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We’ve tried to keep our life rolling. I got my Bachelor’s then Master’s degree, allowing me the cherished opportunity to become a professional counselor. We take trips and celebrate every birthday and holiday with a certain ferocity that says we know that life is short and precious. We taxi our crew around to various practices — piano, jiu jitsu, dance. You’ll see us out at the ball field in the spring. We squeeze in as much life as we can between immovable appointments and treatments. We live around it. However, despite our best efforts to maintain some semblance of normalcy, this life is anything but normal. We fight tooth and nail just to stay in the same place. Cancer has left us treading water during our 20s and 30s — a time that should be marked by growth, important moves, and positioning for future success. We have watched everyone run right past us, climbing ladders, moving their lives forward in ways big and small. We cheer them on and pray fervently that we will get our chance at the simple joy of putting our hands to meaningful work and seeing fruit from that labor. For now, we labor for breath.

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This is hardly the life we dreamed of while we were gallivanting around the Golden Isles as high school sweethearts. These are not the conditions under which I dreamed of raising a family. There is solace in knowing that suffering was not invented with us. Since the dawn of humanity, we

have been raising babies as wars raged, famine struck, and whips cracked. I know there is an ancient indelibility of spirit that supersedes my modern weakness if I choose to tap into it.

feet and had us scrambling for the surface, gasping for air. Emily Brontë provides the most apt description of our relationship in her famous line, “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” I decided from a young age, arguably too young, that Evan was the one for me, forever.

As we learn from Holocaust survivor and psychologist Viktor Frankl, the last human freedom we possess is our freedom to choose our attitude in any given set of circumstances. There is one element that makes this choice easier: Frankl reminds us that if we have a “why” we can bear up under almost any “how.” We have the best “why.”

for Evan’s life, but most of the time we know that we could never have done what we’ve done without them. They are bubbles of grace. The manual load is strenuous, and they raise the stakes to what feels like impossible levels, but nothing else could bring the joy and levity they provide. We walk in the door from terrible scan results and are met by a flying body soaring in our direction. The body is Noah’s and his next move is to wrestle us to the ground. Benji is rattling off a dozen or so new facts he learned from a book he read that day. Rivi is pulling at our arms wanting us to attend her at-home dance class or paint nails. The moment we open the door our agony is paused, unable to persist under

And now, I’ve reached the part where I feel like I’m bragging. At first glance, my life is one you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. We are rightfully the object of empathy and compassion. However, if you look closer you will discover that I am the richest woman in the world.

For us, and for most, the “why” is love. For nearly 15 years, I have hung on Evan’s every word. It was never puppy love. From the outset, it was a tidal wave that scooped both of us off our

Now, this love has multiplied by three, giving us the most brilliant and beautiful people we’ve ever known. Sometimes we wonder why we have to do the work of raising children while fighting

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the force of our children’s wild love.

compare to the richness found in battle-tested love.

To that end, Evan and I have received a promotion of a different nature in our 20’s and 30’s. We climbed a different ladder. At the top, we were awarded eyes that see. We may not have an enviable life in most measurable terms, but from up here on this precipice of perspective that usually comes much later in life, we can see all the things that truly matter. From this vantage point, with misty eyes and grateful hearts, we see our abundance clearly. Beyond what we could ask, think, or imagine.

Cancer has tried to suffocate our “why,” to rip apart this love we share. I lay awake at night wondering if our family can survive the pressure and chaos of this storm. So far we have. And that is where my wealth lies: in the possession of this love with Evan, with our children, with our God, when all powers of hell have descended upon them. There is nothing — no accolade or financial gain — that could

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So even though we have days where the sentiment is still “this isn’t happening,” more often than not the refrain of our days is and will always be, “Thank You.”

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It’s cliché to say someone “lights up a room” or “sprinkles love like confetti.” But in the case of Wiletta McGowen, these are not empty platitudes. It’s the honest-to-goodness truth. It’s unique and few have these qualities. It’s even more rare in those who have faced the tribulations she has in life. “Unfortunately, my family has a history of cancer. My grandmother passed away from pancreatic cancer,” she says. “My dad had prostate cancer. My sister had breast cancer. My brother, Michael (Hulett), had stomach cancer. Now, my daughter has pancreatic cancer.”

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For most of us, these blows would be too heavy to bear. But McGowen has faced all her trials with an unshakable faith — and a heaping helping of good humor. “I always think of the Kennedy family … we’re like the Black Kennedys of Brunswick,” she says with a hearty laugh. “Luckily, because of my mother, we have great faith. She taught us to trust God. She taught us to pray. That has helped us deal with the adversity that’s come into our lives.”

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It made such a lasting impression that McGowen was

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drawn to the ministry. In June 2009, she was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church.

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I was in school for the diaconate, the deacon school of ministry,” she says. “I’ve been a deacon there for 15 years and love it. I love serving God.” McGowen defines her role as a being bridge between the church and the world. They are tasked with carrying out St. Teresa of Avila’s call to be the “hands and feet of Jesus.” She has certainly lived up to the charge. “For many years, I was involved in programs like Kairos, the prison ministry, and of course, we had the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial, and I was involved with that here,” she says. “My passion is to help people understand who they are in Christ. So many people are lost and don’t understand who

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own challenging times. And when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was able to tap into that well of devotion to face her battle. That came on February 13, 2019. “It was really funny because the day after that, I was supposed to preach at our healing service … that was one heck of a sermon,” she said with a giggle. “I came in and was like, ‘Well folks, I’ve got cancer.’” It was just the first step of her grueling journey. A couple of months after her stage two diagnosis, McGowen was scheduled for surgery. “I remember all the dates. It was April 13th. I had a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction because I didn’t want to do any more surgeries,” she says. “Then, on May 9, which is my daughter’s birthday, I started chemo.”

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While starting therapy was difficult enough, McGowen’s was particularly difficult. “Two weeks later, my mother passed away from a fall. That was a rough time,” she recalls with a somber nod. Even so, she refused to be broken. Instead, she dug into the wellspring of faith that her mother had instilled in her. “ … I just kept right on going,” she says. “God told me to get up, and He pulled me along … saying ‘I told you, you are going to be OK.’” She believed it wholeheartedly. McGowen kept putting one foot in front of the other and checking off chemotreatment after chemotreatment, gaining a new outlook with each change her body underwent. “You don’t worry so much about the little things. It puts everything in perspective. When my hair fell out, and I had dreadlocks, I didn’t care that much. You look at your body differently. You don’t have hair or breasts,” she says. “But you realize you’re not your hair, you’re not your breasts. God created you in His image, and you’re still beautiful.” McGowen wrapped up chemotherapy on October 24th. But that wasn’t the end. “In January, I had 28 rounds of radiation. That’s when the true healing began because your body has to jump back from all of that. It took me about three years to be myself again. It was really rough,” she says. But ever the optimist, McGowen was able to find the gold in the mire. The experience gave her a new sense of purpose and a deeper level of compassion for others. “Cancer changed me. It made me see the beauty of the world. It helped me understand that we’re only here for a little while, but we’re here for a purpose and to make a difference. And to be kind, to show compassion and empathy,” she says. “I really have empathy for anyone going through cancer or any journey where they’re hurting. I just try to throw my energy out there. I say … ‘call me. Talk to me. I’m here.’”

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Connecting to her support system was critical for McGowen’s cancer battle. It’s why she joins the local American Cancer Society’s events, especially those surrounding breast cancer. She wants to offer hope to others who are still fighting the fight. “It’s important because you meet women who have been on that journey longer than you … 20 or 30 years. That gives you hope,” she says. “For me, it’s like, ‘OK, God, I’m three years in … and this lady is 20 years in. I’m going to stay hopeful.’” McGowen also shares practical advice for getting through those tough days. “Find your center. Get grounded. Surround yourself with the people who love you, the people who will take care of you when you come home from chemo and you’re throwing up. Who will get you some food … what little food you can eat. Someone who will hold your hand and tell you it’s going to be OK,” she says. “Of course, listen to your doctors, but for me, it’s God. Find faith. God is quite aware of what’s going on. Talk to him. Pray, meditate, and send healing energy into your body.” McGowen knows that the cancer diagnosis and treatment are devastating. But she also believes that it can be transformative. “Know that this is not the end. It’s the beginning of a beautiful journey. Some people may not see it that way, but you’re going to learn a lot about yourself,” she says. “You’re going to learn what you’re made of. It makes you want to live life to the fullest … even more. It really makes you want to live your best life.” McGowen acknowledges the idea of recurrence is always in the back of her mind. Still, she won’t let that consume her

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thoughts or dampen her spirit. “Is it going to come back?’ That is never far from your mind. But then, I remember that God told me I’m going to be alright. So I don’t worry about it. I have too much to do,” she says with a grin.

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“No matter what happens God is holding me in the palm of his hand. That’s the place I want to be.” Her faith in her future has allowed McGowen the opportunity to find a sense of stability amidst the ebb and flow of life. “I’m not afraid of death. I think we just go home. That gives me great peace, though I’m not ready to go quite yet,” she says with a smile. “I have great peace about my life … it took me 73 years to get there but I have great peace about where I’m heading and where God is going to take me.”

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LIVING THROUGH LEUKEMIA WORDS BY CYNTHIA ROBINSON | PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HOLTON

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It’s been nearly a decade, but the shock Chris and Cassie Busby felt remains fresh. That’s when their then three-year-old son, Chase, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia — the most common form of pediatric cancer. The cause is unknown, but it occurs when immature white blood cells in bone marrow multiply uncontrollably. “It was August 2015,” Chris says. “We were scared out of our minds. Although his type of cancer has a high rate of survival, as a parent, your mind goes to that worst-case scenario.” Cassie agrees. Today, Chase is 13. He’s a thriving, cancer-free seventh grader, but at the time, it seemed as if a return to what was their “normal” lives was so very far away.

The Journey Begins The couple, who also has two daughters, Gracie Jane, now 16, and Lily, now 14, immediately found their “new normal” revolved around Chase’s cancer treatments. This included a three-year process of chemo. “They told us they ‘can’t cut it out, but we can treat it.’ We were so lucky to be so close to Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital,” Chris says.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2025

While they were close to Jacksonville, where Wolfson’s is located, the family was relatively new to St. Simons Island. Not having an fixed support system proved daunting as the family braced for uncharted territory. “The first month was really tough,” Cassie says. “We had only lived here about a year-and-a-half when Chase was diagnosed and didn’t know a lot of people, but we found that our community is filled with so many good people.”

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As the Golden Isles community is wont to do, they turned out to support the Busbys in a big way. Cassie says the response completely blew them away. “They reached out to us and had fundraisers — we were surrounded by some amazing people,” she says. “The team at Wolfson’s was great, and people from my old school in Dahlonega (their hometown) also reached out and were so supportive.” While the love poured in from the outside, it also resonated from within. Chase’s two sisters, who are older than their brother, proved to be the family’s “unsung heroes.” “Our sweet girls rolled with the punches throughout,” their proud mother says. The entire family had to rearrange their lives to ensure Chase’s treatment could continue uninterrupted. That, they admit, was difficult, especially during the first year of treatment. “The first year, we took him for chemo every week,” Chris explains. In addition to the chemotherapy, Chase received through a port under his skin, the toddler also endured spinal taps, bone marrow biopsies, blood count tests, and more painful procedures. It was something that proved harrowing for the entire family.

Seeking Blue Skies Because having a child with pediatric cancer impacts the lives of the entire family, one nonprofit, Blue Skies, was a Godsend. Blue Skies is a ministry founded by a former oncology nurse. The organization offers families with children diagnosed with pediatric cancer a free, week-long beach vacation. Blue Skies began by offering retreats on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but retreats are now offered in other locations, including St. Simons Island.

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In addition to providing a much-needed respite with fun activities at the beach, the nonprofit also gives families a chance to connect through shared experiences. “Volunteers would take the kids to do things at the beach, while parents met to discuss our journeys,” Cassie says. Chris adds that having this outlet proved invaluable during their difficult time. “Everyone has a different road with pediatric cancer, but it gives you peace to know that you are not alone. We had people we could openly discuss our feelings and hopes,” Chris says. “We met some amazing people there.” After attending two beach retreats as Blue Skies guests, the Busbys now return as volunteers.

Routine then Freedom After the first year, Cassie says things got easier as they got into a routine. Trips were later reduced to monthly visits, then from bi-monthly to every three months. However, daily life continued to be planned around Chase’s treatment schedule.

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Family trips also had to be carefully constructed so that they could easily access hospitals equipped to treat pediatric cancer patients. “We had to plan vacations around hospitals, like Orlando. If he ever got a fever, we had to get him to a hospital — we always had to have a go-bag.” Thankfully, they only experienced one such emergency episode, which happened while they were visiting Asheville, North Carolina. “But, he got great care in the pediatric hospital in Asheville,” Chris says. Nearly three-and-a-half years after his diagnosis, Chase’s cancer journey came to a happy ending. “October 23, 2018 was his cure date,” Chris says. “That was the date they took out his port.” The family, their friends, and everyone who held their hands throughout the battle celebrated together during a party at Village Creek Landing. “We had a huge celebration and birthday party … Chase’s No More Chemo and Birthday Celebration,” Cassie says. “Almost 100 people attended, and Dreams Come True of Jacksonville gave Chase a ‘Last Chemo’ trophy.”

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While their free moments are few and far between, they make it a point to give back to the facility that gave them so much. Chris, who is part-owner of Live Oak Fitness on St. Simons Island, works with the Wolfson’s Children Challenge, a 5K and Fun Run which honors tens of thousands of children who are treated at Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital each year. The next event is scheduled for January 25, 2025. They also continue to support and volunteer for Blue Skies and Camp Sunshine in Rutledge. And they’re always looking for other avenues to lend a hand. “We were supported in three parts. The medical part, of course, was Wolfson’s. The Jay’s Fund (The Tom Coughlan Jay Fund Foundation) was financial support. They are great,” Chris says. Cassie adds that the fund also has an activity fund that provides their family tickets to the Jacksonville Zoo. “The final part of that support is research, like CURE Childhood Cancer in Atlanta,” Chris says.

Giving Back

While the Busbys’ story worked out as best it could, they understand that is not the case for every cancer patient.

Chase only goes to Wolfson’s once a year for follow-up visits now. And while they don’t miss the intensive treatments and frequent trips, they do miss seeing all of the medical staff who helped save Chase’s life.

“Not every family gets a happy ending like we did. We’ve gotten to know too many children who lost their cancer fights, and we’ve shed many tears along the way with their families,” Chris says.

“We miss seeing all of our wonderful physicians,” Cassie says.

“We are so grateful for all the support we received that got us through this journey. That’s why it is so important to be there for these families, support them, and raise money to find a cure.”

Today, their lives are busy with three teenagers and their jobs. Cassie is a special education teacher and

cheerleading coach at Glynn Academy. Chris is a fitness coach and CEO of Live Oak Fitness.

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NOISEMAKERS

WORDS BY ANNA FERGUSON HALL | PHOTO BY MICHAEL HALL

MICHAEL HULETT

W When speaking to Michael Hulett about his career as a musician, it becomes very clear, very quickly the correct opening question is not “What instrument do you play?”

er, a highly influential American jazz sax-

straight-ahead jazz, smooth jazz, pop,

ophonist, bandleader, and composer.

and little country.”

The more accurate is: “What instrument do you not play?”

characterized by fast tempos, virtuosic

Whittling down his résumé as one of the most prolific musical performers in Coastal Georgia, Hulett humbly mentions he has been playing music for more than 50 years, when he started at the piano. Though his launching pad for music was first with fingers tapping keys of ivory, eventually, golden keys found their way to his hands in the form of a saxophone. Then a flute, sometimes a trumpet, and “on rare occasion, still keyboards.”Of the ensemble of musical mediums Hulett has woven into his life, all have paired well with his first true love in the form of jazz. Hulett thanks his brother-in-law for setting him on a date with jazz as a partner “He often played jazz albums, and

Hulett looked to Parker as he became known as the leading figure in the

He finds himself open to playing any-

development of bebop, a form of jazz

thing requested. Well, almost anything.

technique, and advanced harmonies.

“I perform just about everything, except rap,” he says. “My mouth moves

“(I was) fascinated by the rapid

too slowly for rap.”

speeds by which (Parker) improvised — just spewing idea after idea with

With Hulett, “humble” is a word that

such fluidity. I was fascinated by the

often bubbles to the forefront of impres-

technical demands,” Hulett says.

sions. He is charming, with a bright smile and an ease about his character which

While Parker may have been the first

is reflected in the confidence he dis-

to slide into Hulett’s mentor mindset,

plays on stage. So much so, his musical

he was by far not the only one to take

reach has left impressions on concert-

up residence in his wheelhouse. He

goers nationwide. Recently, he and his

also looked to the legendary musi-

partner found themselves in Michigan,

cal magicians “James Brown for his

with Hulett on stages in various venues

groove, (Bob) Dylan for lyric content…

and business fronts, making new friends

Grover Washington, Jr. for his pop,

and new fans along the way.

jazz stylings, John Coltrane, Pink Floyd, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire. There

This was not an uncommon occasion

are so many,” Hulett says.

for Hulett. For the better part of 50 years, music has taken from his native

that piqued my interest,” he says.

With these musical masters as the

Brunswick and the halls of Glynn

groundwork for his growing interests

Academy and far beyond.

Then, there were influences from the

in all things musical, Hulett says he will

jazz world at large, namely Charlie Park82

G O L D E N I S LES

happily take on “vocal standards,

“… to the Art Institute of Ft. Lauder-

dale and then back to Georgia in 2007,” he says, though he will admit, “I called South Florida home for nearly 20 years.” While on stage in his Coastal Georgia homebase, Hulett can easily be explained as a musical jazz genius who entertains the masses in the Golden Isles on a regular basis. But as is often the case in life and in music, nothing is as

Love IS ETERNAL

Valentines Day

easy and simple as it may first appear. Under his nonchalant yet suave exterior, Hulett has packed away experiences and stories of his music collabo-

FRIDAY FEB 14TH

rations in epically layered proportions. He has shared music space with headliners such as the famous Four Tops, and Cab Calloway, not to mention “American Idol” winner Candice Glover, among others. But it hasn’t been all bright lights and good times. Hulett, like his sister Wiletta

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in our features and several members of their family, fought a valiant fight with cancer. It took a heavy toll on his overall health but he perservered. And as a man who calls himself humble appropriately would, Hulett says playing alongside local music legend and McIntosh County native Vic Waters is one of his greatest performing accolades. After all is said, done, and played, despite a litany of musical mastery and

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a collection of co-performers he has collaborated with throughout his decades of playing, Hulett says his most rewarding experience is not found on a grand stage and in bright lights. “I feel my greatest achievement is my offering quality music for those who need the comfort of music in all capacities, be it to express joy, sorrow

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or just to say in words what others find hard to express,” he says. “That’s cathartic for all.”

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Neuropathy Pain Breakthrough! Neuropathy Pain Breakthrough! starts each patient with an HeHestarts each patient with an initial consultation during which which a initial consultation during a sensory exam is performed. “This "This sensory exam is performed. not only aids in making a proper not only aids in making a proper diagnosis but it helps to define diagnosis but it helps to define just just how much has how much nervenerve damagedamage has occurred," Kyle.is "This is occurred,” tellstells Kyle. “This important because if a patient important because if a patient has has suffered more damage, suffered more thanthan 95% 95% damage, there little can there isislittle thatthat I canI do to do helpto help them. I'mfamiliar familiar the medical them. I’m withwith the medical miracle, but I know my miracle, but I know my limits limits as a as a practitioner and the limits practitioner and the limits of my of my medicine." medicine.”

"My likethey’re they're on fire!" “Myfeet feet feel feel like on fire!”

“Each step feels like I am walking "Each step feels like I am through wet paint.” wet paint." through walking “I live in a constant fear that I’ll fall.”

"I“Ilive a constant can’tinsleep, my handsfear and that I'll fall." feet tingle all night.” "I can't my hands and feet Whatsleep, do all of these people tingle all night." have in common? They suffer from

Peripheral neuropathy. It’s What do all of these people have that more 20 million inestimated common? Theythan suffer from people in the United States have It's Peripheral Neuropathy. peripheral neuropathy. estimated that more than 20 million people in the United Kyle Thomas, States haveL.Ac. of Georgia peripheral Acupuncture neuropathy. in Brunswick, Ga shares his beliefs. “I have been

Kyle Thomas, L.Ac. ofitsGeorgia treating neuropathy, in all variAcupuncture in Brunswick, ous forms, for over a decade and Ga shares "I have been so oftenhis my beliefs. patients come to me treating neuropathy, in all its because of the symptoms not various forms, for over a decade because of the diagnosis. To help and so often my patients come to them, I seamlessly the ancient me because of theblend symptoms not science of acupuncture with modern because of the diagnosis. To help medical them, I solutions.” seamlessly blend the ancient science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions.”

Kyle has has achieved a 90% Kyle achieved a 90%

success rate in reversing success rate in reversing the effects of neuropathy.

the effects of neuropathy.

you or youyou love are If Ifyou or someone someone love are suffering with chronic pain thatpain that suffering with chronic presents burning, tingling, or presents asas burning, tingling, or "pins needles", “pins andand needles”, or you’veor you've recently been diagnosed with recently been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, There isThere hope. is hope.

Call (912)-574-7053 to schedule an initial consultation or visit GeorCall (912)-574-7053 to giaAcu.com to moreconsultation incredible schedule anread initial success or visit stories. GeorgiaAcu.com to read

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Lisa A Pearce

YourYour Local Local Agent Agent License License #504766 #504766 395 395 W Local Parker W Parker St Ste St Ste 8 8 Your Agent tnegAtnleacgoAtLnlearucgoAtYLnlearucgotAnYLleargucA oYLlarcuooLYruoY Your Local Agent Baxley, Baxley, GA#504766 GA 31513-0660 31513-0660 License 667460657#4e60s65n7#e4ce60isL65n7#e4ce60is6L5n7#e4ce0isL5n#eecsiLneciL License #504766 (Brunswick (Brunswick Exit)Exit) 395 W Parker St Ste 8 8 etS8tSertSek8trSeartPSeW k8trSea5rtPSe98W k3trSea5trPSe9W kt3Sra5rPe9kW 3ra5P9W 3 593 395 W Parker St Ste 8 Left to right: Left toBrianna right: Brianna Craven Craven (Agent Producer), lpearce@farmersagent.com lpearce@farmersagent.com Baxley, GA 31513-0660 06Producer), 6(Agent 00Producer), -36Producer), 165010-Laine 3616A50G10-36,y16A e50lG 0x1-6a3,yB 61A e05lG-x13a3,1 yBA e5lG 1x3a,yBAeG lxa,yBelxaB Leah Meguiar Leah Meguiar Lee (Agent Lee (Agent Laine Baxley, GA 31513-0660 Carter (Office Carter Staff), (Officeand Staff), Lisaand A Pearce Lisa A (Agent) (Brunswick Exit) )Pearce tixE(Agent) )ktcixiw Es)kntciuxiw ErBs)k(ntciuxiw ErB)skt(nicxuiE w rBks(nciuwrB sn( urB( ,)recudorP ,t)nregcuAd( onrePva,t)nrrCegcauAnd(nonareiPrvBa,t)nr:rtCehgcaguAnird(nonatreiPrtv,Bf)aternr:LetCehcguagALeft ndir(noonratPeito rtvtBfaneright: r:LetCghaAgni(rnBrianna C:LthagCraven tLhgir otProducer), (Brunswick Exit) lpearce@farmersagent.com moaeethoivLrttaaBfnreercae(Agent .nm tinrnaoiLtrhoeBtrafaee:(Agent cg .am tnsrotaefeeeLLcgm .am tnsraroeefcg@ m .m atensroarceecfrg@ am .taenesrpearcleg fr@ am aeserpracelfrm @ aerepacflr@ aeepclraepl eniaL ,)recuednoiarPL ,t)nregcuAed(noeiarePL ,tr)nareiugcguAed(nMoeiarehPLa,tre)narLeiugcgeuALeah end(M ioeareLhPL,aMeguiar )trernaeLeicugugAde(oMerPLee LiguAg(eeMeProducer), iLugeM hLaine

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Your Local Agent License #504766 Lisa A Pearce 395 W Parker St Ste 8 Your Local Agent lpearce@farmersagent.com Baxley, GA 31513-0660 License #504766 (Brunswick Exit) 395 W Parker St Ste 8 Call Call912-367-4100 912-367-4100 or or Left to right: Brianna Craven (Agent Producer), Baxley, GA 31513-0660 lpearce@farmersagent.com Leah Meguiar Lee (Agent Producer), Laine Call 912-367-4100 or r o r 0 o 0 r 0 1 o 0 4 r 0 1 o 0 r 7 4 0 o 1 6 0 7 4 3 0 1 6 0 7 4 2 3 1 6 1 4 7 2 3 9 6 1 7 2 l 3 9 l 6 a 1 3 2 l C 9 l a 1 2 l C 9 l 1 a l C 9 l a l C l a C (Brunswick Exit) 912-264-2232 912-264-2232today! today! Carter (Office Staff), and Lisa A Pearce (Agent) lpearce@farmersagent.com Call 912-367-4100 or 912-264-2232 today! !ya!yda!oydta!o2ydt3a!o2 y2 dta32 o2d 2-t34 o2226 t-342226--342226-1-2 429-61-42961-29-12919 For For a no-obligation a no-obligation quote. quote. For a no-obligation quote. .eto.eutqo.euntqo.eiunttaqo.egiuntiaq olbguintoiqalo-bgointoinaol-bgoiatoinarl-bogoao Finlr-booaoFnr-oaFnroaFroF 912-264-2232 today! to Producer), )tnegA( ecr)atenPegAAa(seiLcdr)antenaPe,g)AffAaa(steiSLcedr)acnteffi naPeO,g)A(ffAara(esteitSLrcae)drtCacneffi aePgO,)ACarter A(ff(araestitcSLrrLeft aeda(Office Ccenffi Pa AO ,) (ffarsright: aeStaff), itLtSrdaenCcaffiBrianna ,and )Off(artLisa eStreacCACraven ffiPearce O( retr(Agent a(Agent) C Leah Meguiar Lee (Agent Producer), Laine Carter (Office Staff), and Lisa A Pearce (Agent)

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Left to right: Brianna Craven (Agent Producer), Leah Meguiar Lee (Agent Producer), Laine Carter (Office Staff), and Lisa A Pearce (Agent)

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Life insurance Life insurance issuedissued by Farmers by Farmers New New WorldWorld Life Insurance Life Insurance Company, Company, 31203120 139th139th Ave SE, AveSte SE,300, Ste 300, Bellevue, Bellevue, WA 98005. WA 98005.

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