West Georgia Woman Magazine November 2018

Woman

Complimentary

November 2018

West Georgia

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Amelia Farmer Driven to Succeed

It's Our Anniversary!

Allison Key, M.D. serving Her Community at 3:16 healthcare

Thank You for Three Years, West Georgia!

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What’s inside...

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Striving For Excellence

34

Celebrate Her Success

22

Living With Alzheimer's

51

Update: Shelby Daniel

In Every Issue:

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30

Daily Fare

47

Local Happenings

46

Womentality

60

Kidz Korner

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MomsMATTER

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There’s so much you need to say, but you don’t know how to say it. All the emotions and expectations in the world are on your shoulders. Sometimes, you feel euphoric — but often, you feel helpless, sad, angry and alone.

Feelings of sadness, resentment and isolation after delivery are not uncommon — up to 1 in 7 women report experiencing the symptoms of postpartum depression*, and the actual number may be even higher. You may experience it days or even months after delivery, and it’s unlikely to resolve on its own. The feelings can make it hard to take care of yourself, much less your baby.

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Get Help Today.

Call Willowbrooke at Tanner’s 24-hour helpline at 770.812.9551 for a free, confidential assessment. A behavioral health professional will talk to you about your symptoms and provide you with the resources that can help — both within and outside of the Willowbrooke at Tanner system.

Here Come The Holidays!

No matter which holiday you’re getting ready for . . Turkey Day or Christmas Day . . cooking or gift giving . . WE CAN HELP!

Southern Home & Ranch is far more than a hardware store.

We have a little bit of everything you might be looking for, and a whole lot of service to help you find what you need.

We have new items arriving every day, and great gift giving ideas just in time for the holidays.

Here are just a few examples of the GOOD STUFF you can find in our wide selection.

• Pure North Georgia Sorghum Syrup, made by the Z.W. Seabolt family. Oh! Breakfast, just out of the oven hot biscuits and sorghum syrup, it doesn't get much better than that! Available in pints and quarts.

Don't wait too long to get yours!

Todd's Ole'Timey Ribbon Cane Syrup also available. Yummy good southern sweetness!

• Brighten your holidays with Life Time Candles by White River Design. Oil filled for LASTING beauty ALL through the holidays and year 'round enjoyment.

• Back by popular demand, our own Georgia grown, Raw “SHELLED PEANUTS,” with tried and true peanut brittle recipe ideas.

NEW harvest, while supplies last! A 5 lb. box makes a perfect, tasty gift.

• Olivia Marie’s “SWEETS AND TREATS,” locally produced in Roopville, Ga. Jellies, jams, veggies, salsa and more – it's ALL good!

Gift packages available.

• Aspen Mulling Spices and special holiday drink mixes. Just love that holiday room filling smell. Get yours now! Yummy good!

• If you like cheese, you will LOVE our genuine old fashioned Wisconsin Waxed Hoop Cheddar Cheese. 3 lb. rounds in a box, perfect for entertaining or gift giving. "RED," mild, "BLACK," sharp. Tastes OH! So good!

• Clyde Cook, close to home pure “LOCAL” honey produced in Ephesus, Ga. It's just the best and

good for you too! 1 and 2 lb. bottles.

• Georgia Olive Farms chef’s blend “extra virgin” olive oil, produced in Ga. It has a green, fresh buttery taste with a mild, fruity finish.

Just wonderful in so many healthy ways.

• Mascot “Fresh Shelled” Pecans. Can't you just taste them now? The perfect healthy treat for cooking, baking, snacking or gift giving. 12 oz. and 16 oz. bags and specialty gift ideas.

New harvest, never frozen.

• Trapp Fragrance Candles – Seasonal Holiday Collection of eight wonderful fragrances.

Perfect for your home, holiday event or special gift giving.

• Thymes Frasier Fir Aromatic Candles. A tradition that feels right at home. The aromatic snap of Siberian fir needles, heartening cedarwood and earthy sandlewood combine to create a just-cut forest fragrance that evokes warmth and comfort.

Some might call this a Christmas candle, but it is so much more. This candle is a glowing focal point for entertaining and makes it the perfect choice for any gift giving occasion.

And that ain’t all!

Make your list, check it twice, then come on over to

Southern Home & Ranch.

We’ve got what you need, with service to please.

Hope to see you real soon!

Your friends at

Southern Home & Ranch

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Thankful for You

As I write this note to you on the third anniversary of West Georgia Woman magazine, I am reminded of how incredibly fortunate we are to have so many supportive friends and advertising and community partners throughout West Georgia. Thank you for reading our magazine and welcoming West Georgia Woman into your homes each month through our print and digital issues. We are so thankful that we are fortunate enough to be a part of your lives.

I would like to recognize our charter advertising partners who continue to faithfully support our publication: Walker Cadillac, Buick, GMC; Carroll EMC; Tanner Health System; Physicians Care Group of West Georgia; M. Dawn Harvey, D.M.D.; Integrative Body Health; Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic; West Georgia Technical College; West Georgia Ambulance; West Georgia Gastroenterology; Haney's Drug Corner; Southern Home and Ranch Center; Turner Pharmacy; Drs. Fred and Anne Richards; Ashbrook Village; and Shala Hainer, Realtor.

We are truly thankful for our charter advertisers, and so many other valuable advertising partners who have joined us since the inception of West Georgia Woman magazine. Thank you. There would be no West Georgia Woman without all of you!

Our inaugural holiday guide is now available in print at retail and medical locations all over West Georgia and East Alabama, or you can view the digital issue online at www.westgeorgiawoman.com. Pick up your copy today, and please remember to shop locally. It really does make a difference in our communities!

In This Issue Last year, on our second anniversary issue in November 2017, we featured the oldest woman on our cover: Mrs. Ruth Wilvert, a 96-year-old World War II veteran. This year, on our third anniversary, we are excited to feature the youngest woman who has ever been on our cover: 18-year-old Amelia Farmer.

Amelia is quite a fascinating and driven young woman. An outstanding student who just graduated from Central High School in May 2018, Amelia will be graduating from the University of West Georgia with her bachelor's degree in May 2019, and she is participating in the prestigious Southwire Sustainable Business Honors Program. Along with being a successful student, she also helped raise $30,000 for cancer research, prevention and treatment through her involvement with Swim Across America. Read more about Amelia and her drive to succeed on page 10.

Allison Key, M.D., owner of 3:16 Healthcare and Spa 3:16 in Bremen, Ga., is a lovely, kind and caring woman and top-notch physician who is admired and loved by many. She is dedicated to providing medical care for the youngest and the oldest throughout West Georgia with endless compassion and kindness, and, she even makes house calls! How cool is that? Learn how much her family medical practice and spa has grown in just one year beginning on page 34.

Remember Shelby Daniel, the outstanding Bremen High School student and athlete we featured in our November 2017 issue?

Shelby suffers from type 1 diabetes, and she dreamed of having a Diabetic Alert Dog that might potentially save her life one day.

After we shared her story with our readers, Shelby received all of the funds she needed to purchase her dog, Susan, a Labradoodle who came to live with her in July 2018. Read our update on Shelby, and how her life has changed for the better on page 51.

Please do business with our valuable advertisers included in this publication, and those who are included in our first holiday guide.

Thank you for sharing the last three years with us. We are deeply honored to be a part of your lives, and we are looking forward to many more years in West Georgia!

Happy Thanksgiving,

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Publisher

Photo by Keith May

Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.

TM

West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia.

Our mission is to engage, inspire, and cultivate a cohesive community for all women in West Georgia by sharing our hopes, our dreams and our lives.

This magazine would not be possible without the inclusion of our advertisers. Please be sure to show your support by doing business with these VIP’s (very important partners) so we will be able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West Georgia women!

Please be sure to tell them we sent you!

Inspiring women wanted.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Contact us: (404) 502-0251 Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com Follow us! @WestGaWoman

Woman

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West Georgia Woman is a monthly pubpositions or strategies of Angel Media, LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine lication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of or any employee thereof. Angel Media, this issue are copyright 2018. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our LLC. makes no representations as to voice. Knowing our value. Making a differaccuracy, completeness, correctness, ence.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. suitability, or validity of any informaAll rights reserved. Reproduction without tion in this publication and will not permission is strictly prohibited.

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This publication is dedicated in loving memory of Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015

West Georgia

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Volume 4 • Issue 1 November 2018

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor

Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover Scott Beutjer, SnapScott Photography

Editorial Contributors

Charlene Brooks, Cheryl A. Francis, L.P.C. and Rose Isaacs

Advertising Sales

Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com Angela Brooks Dailey, owner and publisher of West Georgia Woman magazine, has lived in West Georgia most of her life and has a deep love and appreciation for the area.

She received her B.B.A in management from The University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga., and is a Civil and Domestic Relations mediator and arbitrator registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. She lives in Carrollton, and has two wonderful children, Zachary and Sydney Dailey.

Angela enjoys reading, spending time with her children and extended family and loves to watch Sydney play soccer.

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Striving for Excellence

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University of West Georgia Student Amelia Farmer is Driven to Succeed

Photos of Amelia by Scott Beutjer, SnapScott Photography

By Janet Flanigan

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I

n the Shakespearean play Coriolanus, Volumnia tells her son, the play's namesake, “Action is eloquence, and the eyes of th’ ignorant more learned than the ears." A more modern explanation for this quote might be, “Actions speak louder than words.”

If action is eloquence, then University of West Georgia senior student, Amelia Farmer, is eloquence personified. A lovely and vibrant young woman, Amelia was born in Carrollton, Ga., to parents Nancy and Pete Farmer. Nancy, who Amelia describes as amazing and her best friend, is a beloved preschool teacher at City Station Preschool. Pete works as an Operations Manager at the local Wal-Mart.com distribution center.

Amelia exudes a barely contained energy and enthusiasm and appears ready to tackle her future with gusto.

Apprehensive Youth From her earliest memories, Amelia recalls a desire to strive and excel, but this was paired with an incredible anxiety and lack of confidence.

“When I was younger, I always struggled with confidence and self-esteem issues,” she says. As the eldest child in the family, Amelia says she would feel inadequate as she witnessed the accomplishments of her younger siblings. “My brother Max is an exceptional swimmer and my little sister Lindsay is fearless and outgoing,” she explains.

“I was always filled with doubt and worries about myself until I was eventually diagnosed with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, so, I compensated by being the best student I could be.”

In Amelia's case, the best student she could be turned out to be quite exceptional indeed.

Needing Something More

Amelia, center, with her parents, Nancy and Pete Farmer. Photo courtesy of Amelia Farmer.

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OCD is a disorder when people have unwanted and repeated feelings, thoughts,

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obsessions, ideas and behaviors that drive them to do something over and over again. Often a person with OCD carries out the behaviors to get rid of those obsessive thoughts.

As Amelia grew older, she discovered ways to deal with her anxiety and OCD and, as a result, began to take charge of her life. In her freshman and sophomore years at Central High School in Carrollton, she began to realize she needed something more from her academic studies. “When I was a sophomore, I recognized I no longer felt challenged by my classes at Central and was sort of floundering socially. I just felt really out of place,” she shares.

In spite of struggling socially, Amelia continued to participate in various activities at Central High: she was a member of the Science Olympiad, the Math Team, Beta Club and National Honor Society.

Amelia also participated in swimming with the Carrollton Bluefins Swim Club and enjoyed the team atmosphere. But still she wondered what more could be out there waiting for her.

Halfway through her sophomore year after taking the ACT and discovering that she was ready for college-level courses, she began researching dual enrollment opportunities that would allow her to earn high school and college credit simultaneously.

"I spent months researching my options, throwing out the many choices I knew my family could not afford," she shares. "I had settled on staying in high school for two more years. I was going to attempt to let individual research be my new source of information, but, as luck would have it, the perfect opportunity came along."

It was at this point that Amelia received an email inviting her to apply to the Advanced Academy of Georgia – an early college admittance program with all expenses paid for selectees. “This program offered the challenge I was looking for, and it just happened to be housed at the University of West

Amelia, who struggled socially in high school, has found her home and is thriving at the University of West Georgia.

Georgia – only two miles from my home,” she says. The Advanced Academy was eventually fazed out in 2017 and replaced with the Move on When Ready program, now known as the Dual Enrollment program.

University Life Amelia was accepted into the Academy and, with the support of her family, she enrolled in summer classes at the University of West Georgia. The dual enrollment program allows students to be enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions, usually high school students taking college or university courses.

In spite of her accomplishment at being accepted for dual enrollment, Amelia says she had no confidence at all. “I was absolutely terrified for my first day,” she laughs. Her first class was macro economics, and Amelia remembers she became horribly lost and it took her two hours to find the correct building and classroom. “I called my mom crying and told her I didn’t know if I could do this, but she calmed me down and encouraged me," she relates. "And, I knew I could do it.”

Amelia grew to love her economics class and her professor, Dr. Swarna Dutt. After finishing

the summer semester, Amelia had no interest in returning to her traditional high school classes in the fall. “I wanted to go full-time to UWG,” she says.

It is not unheard of for high school students to want to attend college full time while still in high school, but the college or university must be on board with the process and believe the student is capable of handling the dual enrollment.

“Katie Theobald, the manager of the Office of Undergraduate Research at UWG, was so great in helping me navigate everything," says Amelia. "She did a lot of one-on-one meetings with me so I felt prepared."

Living On Faith Amelia shares the one place she has always felt comfortable is at her family’s church, Southern Hills Church at City Station. She says her church family has helped her adjust to life as a college student, and, one thing that has helped her in particular is an opportunity she received through the church’s exciting community center at City Station.

Southern Hills Church recently completed construction of a large community center located along the Carrollton Greenbelt. Inside the building is a fitness center, the preschool where Amelia's mom

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teaches, a cafe and college student housing.

The community center is a place of fellowship open to anyone in Carrollton, regardless of race or economic status. Their student housing provides a quality option for young people who seek to live in a faith-based community.

This housing option was exactly what Amelia was looking for – providing her with a bit of independence, but with the comfort of being close to home. “I am able to live the life of a typical college student, but my family lives just a couple of minutes away,” she relates.

Amelia has been fortunate to develop some incredibly close friendships since participating in dual enrollment at UWG. She and her boyfriend of two years, Noah Garnett, met while she was a lifeguard. "I was his boss," she laughs. Some newer friendships have blossomed, including those with her roommates at City Station. Clara Denney attended

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Central High School with Amelia but they weren’t very close at the time. Today, they are very good friends, bonding particularly over a shared history with anxiety and OCD. “It seems as if she is always excelling at something, but it’s a lot of pressure,” says Clara. The girls understand when each one is having a particularly tough time and instinctively know how to help each other get through those situations when they arise.

They have two other roommates, Catherine Wescott and Kalie Cofer, and the four have become great friends. But, Amelia notes her very best friend, her mom, lives just down the road.

A Prestigious Path “When I was growing up, I was under the impression if you were smart you would either become a doctor or a lawyer,” Amelia muses. “I was good in science, so I assumed OK, I’ll be a doctor.” But,

THE PEOPLE BEHINDâ„¢ THE POWER

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after taking her first biology classes at UWG, Amelia realized that medicine might not be for her. “I just didn’t see myself going forward with that degree," she explains. "I had different interests than those kids who wanted to go into medicine."

While many students remain undeclared until their second year at school, Amelia took a business class that peaked her interest and she decided to obtain her undergraduate degree in accounting.

As she began to adjust to college life, Amelia was already looking for ways to become more involved at UWG. Part of her desire to achieve perfection is a perceived and innate need to be involved in and succeed at a multitude of activities and organizations.

Fortunately, Amelia recognizes that her anxiety issues require taking some time off on occasion.

“Sleep is the most important part of maintaining balance,” she says. “My friends and family will also tell me when I need to take it down a notch," she laughs.

But, just because she recognizes she needs to sometimes say “No,” it doesn’t mean she does very often. As part of her accounting major, Amelia is currently participating in the prestigious Southwire

Women’s Auto Clinic.

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Sustainable Business Honors Program.

The program – the only one of its kind in the United States – allows students to earn their bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and sustainability certificate in four years; gain experience through internships; work with a personal mentor; participate in unique projects; and participate in research with workplace application. The program also enables students to give back by volunteering with Southwire's Project Gift® (Giving Inspiration for Tomorrow) program.

Through the Southwire Sustainable Business

The Southwire Sustainable Business Honors Program is the only one of its kind in the United States. The program allows students to earn a bachelor's degree, master's degree and sustainability certificate in only four years. Matrix obtained from www.westga.edu.

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In addition to Honors Program, her internship at students are Southwire, Amelia taught traditional also works 12 to14 business practices hours a week for the through Southwire’s Dean of the Richards sustainability College of Business principles of at UWG, Dr. Faye Building Worth, McIntyre.

Growing Green, She is also Living Well, Giving president of the Back and Doing Blue Coats, a Right. student ambassador The instructors Through Project Gift®, Southwire employees are committed to making the program at UWG; incorporate these communities where they work better places to live. The employees give their time by volunteering with community and civic organizations to create representative ideals into their a positive impact. member of the assignments, Dean’s Council of projects, lectures Student Leaders; and experiences, both in the classroom and in and a member of both Beta Gamma Sigma and real life as the students work with members of the the Accounting Club. She has previously served as Southwire team. secretary of the Honors College Council and vice Through Project Gift®, Southwire employees president of philanthropy for the Student Alumni are committed to making the communities where Association. they work better places to live. The employees give their time by volunteering with community and civic organizations to create a positive impact.

Making Waves They perform community service by raising money Being raised in a strong Christian household, for worthwhile causes, helping those who are going Amelia has always been encouraged by her family through a difficult time, working with beautification efforts and giving schoolchildren the tools they need members to extend her time and talents in service to others. When her brother Max was 11, he to be successful in class. participated in a unique swimming philanthropy called Swim Across America, and Amelia was intrigued.

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to raising money for cancer research, prevention and treatment. It involves local fundraising efforts by a swim team or club and the swim event usually takes place in open water.

Since 1987, SAA has raised over $80 million through its open water swimming fundraising events and pool swim Amelia, center, with her fellow teammates at an SAA Junior Advisory Board meeting. fundraisers. The SAA Photo courtesy of Amelia Farmer.

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KICK START YOURSTART CAREER KICK YOUR CAREER

Apply now for Spring Semester!

Classes begin January 7

Carroll Campus Open House FINANCIAL AID/ADMISSIONS PRIORITY DEADLINE NOVEMBER 15

855.887.9482 | admissions@westgatech.edu Wednesday, March 28, 5-7 p.m.

Apply for Admission FREE at event!

www.westgatech.edu Find out more about admissions, financial aid, programs of study, student life, GED & more!

As set forth in its student catalog, West Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity (Title IX) coordinator is V.P. of Student Affairs. ADA (Section 504) coordinator is V.P. of Administrative Services. Both are located at 401 Adamson Square, Carrollton, GA 30117. 678.664.0400

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855.887.9482 | admissions@westgatech.edu

slogan is "Making waves to fight cancer."

The Carrollton Bluefins swim team became involved in honor of another team member, Parker Solberg, who had been diagnosed with a brain tumor on his optic nerve. As part of his 11th birthday, Max swam a 5K in open water raising $2,000 for the local SAA recipient, Children’s Health Care of Atlanta Pediatric Cancer/AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

“After I saw what Max did for SAA, I thought, ‘I’m going to use my organizational skills to help raise money for the group’,” she remembers. Amelia, a high school sophomore at Central at the time, dived into the job with her usual enthusiasm. She was elected to join the elite Swim Across America Junior Advisory Board for the Atlanta area.

The SAA Junior Advisory Board is a volunteer group of select high school students chosen by their coaches to lead their school’s swim teams in fundraising, team-building and participation.

Representing the Carrollton Bluefins swim team, the members chose to name their SAA team, “Team Parker,” in honor of their teammate who was battling the tumor. Amelia also served as president and advisor to the Junior Advisory Board, in addition to working with her local team to raise money to fight childhood cancers.

One of Amelia’s biggest hurdles in the SAA? “I am terrified of swimming in lakes and open water!” she laughs. But Amelia did not let that stop her from

participating.

In spite of her fear of open water, Amelia has participated in the annual race since 2015.

In addition to her teammate, Parker, and brother, Max, Amelia says she was greatly inspired by fellow SAA participant Swim Across America 2017. Amelia, right, with and cancer Missy Franklin. Missy is an American compepatient, tition swimmer and a five-time Olympic gold Grace Bunke. medalist who currently holds the world record Grace, was in the 200-meter backstroke. Missy revealed a well-known her struggles with depression and performance anxiety in 2017, and has spoken openAtlanta ly about the importance of mental health. athlete and Photo courtesy of Amelia Farmer.

Paralympichopeful who had been an accomplished track and field and cross-country athlete until she lost her lower leg to osteosarcoma – an extremely aggressive bone cancer. Not one to let her cancer slow her down, Grace became a competitive swimmer, and in May 2016 she became a member of U.S. Paralympics Swimming.

Amelia says when Grace would swim during the events, she powered by most of the twolegged swimmers in the open water races. “When I saw Grace fly by me in that race, I was just amazed,” she says.

Sadly, Grace ultimately lost her race with cancer on March 25, 2018 – just before her 15th birthday – but her spirit lives on in the SAA "Amazing Grace Amelia was greatly inspired by fellow SAA participant and cancer patient, Grace Bunke Award," that Amelia helped (pictured). Sadly, Grace lost her battle to cancer in March 2018, but her spirit lives on in the SAA "Amazing Grace Award," that Amelia helped create. Amelia's admiration for her create. fellow swimmers, Grace, and Amelia's teammate, Parker Solberg, who was also battling Her admiration for her fellow cancer at the time, led Amelia and Team Parker to raise over $30,000 for Children’s swimmers led Amelia and Team Health Care of Atlanta Pediatric Cancer/AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

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D E SIG N ER SHO W HO US E THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 SPONSORS!

KELLY NOLAN

Parker to raise over $30,000 – double their initial fundraising goal of $15,000. The Atlanta SAA raised over $500,000 that year. Current fundraising for SAA shows they have already raised 108 percent of their goal of $650,000 to over $706,000 and counting.

With her immersion in college studies and other activities, Amelia has reduced her involvement with SAA, but still acts as an advisor to the Junior Board. But Team Parker is still in good hands: Parker Solberg, the young man on the Carrollton Bluefins swim team who was battling a cancerous tumor, stepped up to lead the team himself.

A Promising Future As a participant in the Southwire Sustainable Business Honors Program, Amelia will attain her Bachelor’s Degree in accounting in May 2019. Being such an impressive student and community member, Amelia

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has received offers of several scholarships and opportunities to attend other schools, including Southern Methodist University – a private research university in Texas, the University of Alabama, Mississippi State and Emory, but her heart still lies within the University of West Georgia. “They have given me so much, and I want to stay with them,” she says.

While she will graduate with her undergraduate degree in accounting, Amelia is now considering a slightly different path. “I am currently looking at law school and schools such as Georgia State, which offer a dual graduate degree in law and an MBA (master of business administration)," she explains.

"Then, after graduating, I would have my law degree and an MBA, so I would be prepared to tackle programs and situations from a legal, financial and business perspective." Eventually, Amelia would like to perform consulting work in the non-profit arena but concedes she’ll probably need to first cut her teeth in corporate law.

There is no doubt that wherever Amelia lands, the organization she chooses to work for and her community will be better for it.

Her brainpower and organizational skills, matched with a youthful enthusiasm and energy make for a top-notch combination. WGW

Woman

Complimentary

2018

West Georgia TM

2018 Holiday Guide

Pick Up Your Copy Today!

Available Now in Print or View Online at www.westgeorgiawoman.com 21

Living With Alzheimer's 22

Care for the Caregiver

By Cheryl Francis

B

eing a caregiver is a difficult part of life. Yet, it can be the most rewarding aspect of one’s life journey, if this path is chosen. Caring for someone with the symptoms of Alzheimer's is difficult due to the nature of the disease. Alzheimer's is a disease that progresses and gradually worsens over the years. It destroys the individual’s memory, thinking and mental functions, and it creates severe challenges in completing activities of daily living.

Alzheimer's is not reversible, and this makes it even more difficult to care for someone with the disease.

Knowing you are making a difference in someone else’s life gives you a sense of purpose. It is an experience of a life well-lived. As a caregiver for someone struggling with Alzheimer’s, the responsibilities may be sometimes overwhelming.

This is because often the person who is ill is unable to articulate what they need.

It has been said, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” In attempting to balance it all, the caregiver may often ignore her own basic needs and practice minimal self-care. This is when the caregiver may become the “empty cup." We can only give so much of ourselves before we begin to feel exhaustion, and it is important that the caregiver realizes her value and importance. It is essential that the caregiver put on her oxygen mask first.

The role of a caregiver is stressful if one is not being intentional about self-care. Managing the stressors that come with the responsibilities of taking care of someone with Alzheimer's is sometimes a daunting task.

However, to be truly effective, the caregiver must practice selfcare.

If she doesn't take care of herself, stress is amplified and potential

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mental and medical problems may occur.

Caregivers are often doing the work on their own.

Sometimes, help may be available, but the caregiver is either too independent – “I have to do this myself, so it’s done correctly," or, help is inconsistent.

Instead of being firm and asking for what is needed, the caregiver does the work alone, which can cause resentment and anger.

Managing Stress • Be realistic about your limitations.To take care of someone effectively, it is important that you focus only on what can you can control.

• Focus on the positives. Be realistic about your loved one’s illness, while still enjoying the good moments.

To care for your loved one properly, you must also take care of yourself.

23

• Avoid denial. You may feel as if everything is okay and the challenges you are facing with your mental and physical health will pass. Your denial may even be related to your loved one’s illness. Denying that the illness is progressing can be detrimental, even though you are faced with having more responsibilities, and feeling more hopeless and angrier when responding to the need of the person in care. The anger may be at the loved one, the care being provided or at just anyone, spontaneously. This anger is a toxic emotion and, if not addressed, may contribute to medical problems for the caregiver later.

• Be gentle with yourself. When a scheduled appointment or the loved one’s medication management support is missed, recognize that you are human and let go of the guilt.

• Realize you are doing the best you can. You are doing a great job just by your presence.

Consistently missing important deadlines, however, is a sign of increased caregiving stress. If this becomes a pattern, you may want to consider a higher level of care or obtain additional support for your loved one.

• Be brave enough to ask for help when needed.These mishaps may be opportunities for you to ask someone else to step in so you can have a break from all of the responsibilities caregiving requires. Several resources, including respite care, are often available if you reach out.

• Educate yourself. Educate yourself about resources that may be available for you and your loved one, and learn all you can about your loved one's illness. By doing this you will be ready for additional challenges as the disease progresses. The Alzheimer's Association offers a variety of resources to help you understand Alzheimer's.

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The multiple responsibilities of caregiving may contribute to the caregiver withdrawing or isolating.

This may be evident as the disease progresses and care monitoring increases. You may begin to feel it is easier to stay home rather than expend the energy and go visiting or do something enjoyable.

Your anxiety may increase if the disease progresses rapidly and results in greater health challenges for your loved one. The anxiety may be related to the care of the individual (what if she falls; what if I walk away and she wanders away, when is this going to end so I can get back to my life; feeling guilty for thinking this; and the list goes on and on).

Understanding the disease will help minimize some anxiety.

Caregiving without support, becoming angry or resentful, isolating yourself and experiencing increased anxiety may contribute to depressed mood. When depressed mood begins to manifest itself, the ability to cope with caregiving and provide the best care for your loved one is negatively impacted.

Signs Of Depressed Mood • • • • • • • • •

Insomnia Irritability Difficulty concentrating Social isolation Physical pain with no medical explanation Lack of motivation Forgetfulness Mood swings Feeling empty, hopeless, in despair or extremely sad

It is important to listen to your body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please speak

25

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Caring For Yourself • • • • •

Take breaks every day Eat healthy foods Ask for help Excercise Keep up with your interests and hobbies • Spend time with friends • Join a caregiver's support group • See your doctor regularly Other self-care measures may include daily practicing of relaxation and meditation techniques and taking daily walks.

Take a few moments to mentally visualize yourself being in control, at peace and stress free.

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your loved one, if she is ambulatory. If she is not ambulatory, but is able to be in a wheelchair, going for a stroll riding in the wheelchair provides benefits for both of you.

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Offer the caregiver specific examples of what you can do to help.

Helping A Caregiver

may be providing care alone, they may not know how to ask for help or what to ask for regarding the If you notice a caregiver experiencing any of the help needed. Your suggestions may be exactly what symptoms of depression or anxiety, take the time to they need. listen and offer her practical and specific support.

If you are a caregiver, if someone took the time to General offers of help can be hard for a caregiver to ask, know that it is because they care, even if they accept because they aren't specific. If you would like did not say things the way you expected them to be to support your friend, offer concrete examples of said. Focus on the positive so you can feel the love what you can do to help her. in the moment. As a caregiver, make a decision to not do life alone.

As the stressors of caregiving increase, it is Examples Of Specific Support important that caregivers change the way care is • "I'm going to buy groceries today. What can provided, and support is imperative.

To find a local Alzheimer’s support group near you, I pick up for you at the grocery store?" contact the Caring Connection at 1-800-272-3900.

• "I've got Saturday free. May I sit with your loved one while you take time for yourself?" They also serve individuals who either live in an underserved area or those who may have difficulty • "I doubled my lasagna recipe to share getting to a support group. WGW it with you so you won't have to cook tonight."

Cheryl A. Francis, Licensed Professional • "Do you need some laundry washed? I can Counselor, is the owner of The Heart Matters pick it up from you today and bring it back Wellness Services LLC, a full-service counseling clean tomorrow." agency. She is certified as a Mental Health • "Does your lawn need mowing? I'd First Aid Adult trainer be happy to take care of it for you on and regularly provides seminars and trainings Saturday." to the community on • "I'd like to pay someone to sit with your various mental health loved one while we have a girls' night out. issues. She has partnered When are you available?" with the Georgia Center • "I'm running errands today. Do you have for Child Advocacy to train individuals in the anything on your to-do list that I can take prevention of childhood care of for you?" sexual abuse. Visit heartmatterswellness.com These simple gestures will provide some relief for more information about and hope to the caregiver. Because many individuals Cheryl and her work.

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Daily Fare With

e s o R f e Ch

Chef photos by Keith May.

Rose Isaacs is a native of Carroll County and lives in Carrollton with her husband Shawn. She graduated from West Georgia Technical College in 2013 with a degree in Culinary Arts.

After graduation, she began her career as a chef at the Carrollton Kroger Marketplace where she works in the bistro.

30Recipe photos by Mark Steffey.

"

This is a perfect use for your leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.

"

" Cranberry Turnovers Ingredients 8-ounce block cream cheese 2 egg yolks 2 cups powdered sugar, divided 1 package puff pastry 3/4 cup cranberry sauce 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped Parchment paper

Preparation Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, egg yolks and 1 cup powdered sugar with

These turnovers make a wonderful breakfast for the day after Thanksgiving. .

an electric mixer on low until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Roll out 1 puff pastry sheet to make a 10inch square and cut into 4 5-inch squares.

Place 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Top with 1 1/2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce and 1 teaspoon chopped nuts.

Dampen edges of each square with water and fold to form a triangle.

Press edges with a fork to seal.

Transfer turnovers to a pan lined with parchment paper.

Repeat with second puff pastry sheet to make remaining turnovers.

Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool, about 10 minutes.

Sift remaining powdered sugar over top of turnovers Serves 6 to 8

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"

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a large foil-lined baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

In a medium bowl, combine Brussels sprouts, 2 tablespoons olive oil and salt.

Ingredients Toss to combine. Place on half of prepared baking sheet.

In a clean medium bowl, combine sweet 3 cups Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cut in half tablespoons maple syrup and the ground 5 tablespoons olive oil cinnamon.

1/4 teaspoon salt Toss to combine. Place on other half of prepared baking sheet.

2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and Cook 20 to 25 minutes or until softened. diced into 1 inch cubes In a large bowl, combine sprouts, sweet 3 to 4 tablespoons maple syrup potatoes, pecans and dried cranberries.

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon If desired for additional sweetness, 2 cups pecan halves drizzle with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.

1 cup dried cranberries Serves 6. WGW 32

” This is a colorful and delicious

addition to any Thanksgiving feast.”

33

Celebrate

This34 photo and photo on page 44 by Mark Steffey.

Article photos by Zachary Dailey.

HER SUCCESS

A

llison Key, M.D., owner of 3:16 Healthcare and Spa 3:16, loves working as a family practice physician in the small town of Bremen, Ga. Born and raised in Bremen, Allison says for as long as she can remember, she had always dreamed of becoming a doctor – in spite of having no family connection to the healthcare field.

"It may sound cliché, but I really have always enjoyed helping other people," she shares. "I joke and say that I became a doctor because I am nosy, but in all reality, I am a 'fixer' by nature. I truly feel like it was a calling."

Big Achievements As a young student, Allison had her sights set on becoming a doctor as quickly as possible. In high school, she enrolled in the University of West Georgia in a dual enrollment program. By the time she graduated from Bremen High School, she was already a junior in college.

After earning her undergraduate degree in chemistry from UWG in 2002, she attended Mercer University School of Medicine and graduated as a medical doctor at age 24. Although humble when speaking about her academic performance in school, Allison has much to be proud of: She had the highest GPA in her high school graduating class, the highest SAT scores, she recieved several area awards and scholarships through high school and college and, at that time, was the youngest person to ever graduate from the Mercer University School of Medicine.

Initially, she had always thought she would become a pediatrician, and was interested in neonatology – a subspecialty of pediatrics that specializes in caring for newborn infants, particularly premature

or ill newborns.

"I wanted to be a neonatologist, but after holding a baby while it died in my arms, I just could not do it," she relates. "I chose family medicine mostly because of my grandparents. They have always been such an important part of my life, and I grew up with a very close relationship with all of them. There is just something special about that, and that is why I came back to Bremen to practice medicine. I want to serve and honor them and, after I had kids of my own, I wanted them to have that kind of relationship with their grandparents. With family medicine, I get to see both the youngest and oldest patients in our community."

She completed her family medicine residency training in Rome, Ga., at the Floyd Family Medicine Residency Program, and served as chief resident. In all, Allison completed 11 years of higher education to become a practicing medical doctor. Her education didn’t end after receiving her medical degree, though. Allison frequently challenges herself to learn more than the required hours of continuing education to stay board certified, and she is required to retake her board exam every 10 years.

"I love to read," she explains. "So, I enjoy reading any articles or new information I can regarding the latest recommendations. It is

35

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She began practicing medicine 12 years ago straight out of residency, and she credits her first job for having the greatest impact on her professional life. “I worked over eight years just feet away from Dr. Will Parrish at Primary Care of Bremen," she says. “He is a smart and caring person. He was a wonderful mentor, teacher, sounding board and friend. I also had several remarkably wonderful attending physicians in my residency program who shaped me into the physician I am today: Dr. Mark Jester, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Reeves and many others were great examples of true family physicians.

trying to start a family, but were unsuccessful for the next three years. They decided to take a break from trying to have children, and were prayerfully considering IVF and other alternatives.

Her parents went through a divorce when she was 9 years old, and her father had turned to alcohol to cope and became an alcoholic. "When he wasn’t drinking, he was the funniest, most generous and loving man I have every known," she shares. "But alcohol had a terrible effect on him. He wrestled with severe depression because of it and after many tumultuous years, he died by suicide when I was 28."

When she received the call that her father had passed away, she and her brother were on a trip with their spouses in Wyoming. They immediately rushed home. "It took us exactly 24 hours to get from Jackson Hole, Wyoming back to Atlanta," she says. "One week after my father died, I found out I was pregnant. When I question God’s timing or plans, I look at my sweet girl’s face, and I know without a shadow of a doubt, that God knows what is best for us. He knows what we need, when we need it. He knows way more than you or I could ever guess or control, and for that, I am eternally grateful."

About six months after her father passed away, she had a revelation that would change her goal as a physician when she encountered a patient during a hospital follow up visit. She had not seen the person in a while, but had previously had a good connection with him.

"He had tried to take his own life in almost the

Devastating Heartbreak Allison met her husband, David, at UWG, and they were married just before she graduated medical school.

Soon after their marriage, they began

36

Allison, with her dad, Mike Kimball. Photo courtesy of Allison Key, M.D.

"I see 3:16 Healthcare being on the leading edge of changing the way we do medicine in this community." same way my father had, but he had survived," she shares. "I couldn’t tell him that day about my experience because I was too emotional, but one of the things I learned from that was that people die who are supposed to die, and people live who are supposed to live. In all things, God has a plan that we often can’t see or understand.

"Therefore, as a physician, my goal changed from trying to increase the quantity of my patient’s lives – take this, you will live longer – to working to improve the quality of their lives. It is important to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible, but the quality of those years is more important to me."

Creating Her Own Path After 11 years of practicing medicine in other medical facilities, Allison felt like she was meant for something else. "I loved my time at my previous practices, but there was something deep in my heart that was unsettled," she shares. In September 2017, with the support of family and friends, she took the leap and opened her own medical practice.

Owning her own practice brings many rewards,

but she's also had her share of challenges. “It has been a giant learning curve, but people have come out of the woodwork to help me get this thing off the ground," she relates. "The community support has just been tremendous. However, I feel my greatest challenge is the human resources side of things. Hiring, firing, having those hard conversations. I will never be good at making choices that hurt other people, even when it appears they 'deserve' it. That’s super difficult for me to do, and I definitely lose sleep over it.”

Allison says her patients are the motivation behind her work as a physician. "Knowing that people are depending on me to help them is what motivates me," she says. "Honestly, healthcare can be mentally and emotionally exhausting, and, just like any job, there are days I just want to call in 'sick' and stay home. But my patients mean the world to me, and to let one of them down would be like letting someone in my family down."

Being a female business owner in an office with an all-female staff creates some interesting challenges of its own, but also comes with many blessings. “Women are very emotional beings, which is both a benefit and a challenge at times,” she explains. “But it makes us good

37

Dr. Allison Key treats people of all ages at her family medical practice, 3:16 Healthcare, and enjoys taking care of the youngest to the oldest in her community of Bremen, Ga., and the surrounding areas.

communicators. We have a lot of fun up here, we have developed an almost instant sisterhood and we share so many common life challenges that the support is just tremendous. I think men are often less emotionally driven, which can make things simpler, but they often don’t communicate as well."

She hopes that as both a woman and a physician, those who know her would describe her as generous, patient, kind, loving and hard working. "I strive to be honest, reliable, and faithful," she relates. "When I graduated high school, my senior quote was Matthew 5:16: 'Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in

38

Heaven.' I hope my life is a light that leads others to God. If I accomplish that, then I have done all I set out to do."

Even from an early age, her faith in God has guided her throughout her life: Her first job was as the afternoon DJ for a local gospel and country radio station. "When I was 15, my mama would drive me to the AM radio station in Bremen after school," she smiles.

“1440 AM, your southern gospel and Christian country leader!"

A Male-Dominated Field

Statistically, only 34 percent of U.S. physicians are women, up 4 percent since 2010, according to a 2016 nationwide census conducted by the Federation of State Medical Boards. Allison is one of the few who have taken the leap to create her own medical practice in a maledominated field.

"I have always liked that old saying, 'If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.' So, it is definitely not always easy," she relates.

"I think society has really become accustomed to females in medicine – even as physicians – but I often feel ignored in meetings or committees where it is a predominantly male physician group. That just means I must work harder, speak louder and smile brighter. I think about my daughter and how my struggles today will make the path easier for her in the future."

Although women have come a long way in the medical field, she says she has had several experiences where she has experienced discrimination on many levels because of her gender – from former patients to colleagues. “It has not been unusual for a patient to call me 'Miss

“

Her Advice Although owning an independent medical practice is far from easy, the rewards make it worthwhile, and Allison's advice to other female

My patients m ean the world to m e and to let one , o them down w f ould be like letting someone in m y family down.

“

Key' instead of 'Dr. Key,' when they would never refer to their male physicians as 'Mister So-and-so,' instead of 'Dr.,'" she explains.

"Often, staff members or administration have responded to a male physician’s requests or demands over mine. Again, I just respond by working hard and proving that I am equally important.

“My favorite president to learn about in school was Teddy Roosevelt, for several reasons," she relates. "One of my favorite quotes of his was, 'Walk softly but carry a big stick.' I don’t believe in throwing my weight around, causing a scene or yelling, but I do believe that actions speak louder than words. So, I hope my actions, decisions and encounters with my patients will speak for themselves that I am every bit as qualified and respectable as any male physician."

physicians who may be interested in opening their own practice is empowering. "Do it!" she exclaims. "I was led to believe by the 'industry of medicine' that it is not feasible to

39

own your own practice anymore, that everyone has to be a part of big medicine to survive – and that is just not true. To me, I feel like something is lost in big medicine. There is a lot of administration, rules and regulations, and while that is not all bad, the essence of medicine sometimes gets lost – the real, true patient interaction. It becomes more about bottom lines and check lists than about that sweet little grandmother in front of you."

She is proud of the unique and personal relationships she has built with each one of her patients in her community. "I don’t think the relationships I have with most of my patients is typical," she explains. "Being from the town where I practice gives me the unique advantage of knowing many of my patients on a more personal level, so it is an honor and privilege to be their physician."

Allison says the best part about having her own

practice is the creativity, the stretch of her brain and most of all, getting back to the root of family medicine. Being able to do house calls and adding some new twists onto old practices has been fun and refreshing for her as a physician in family practice.

She also says to never underestimate what a new and growing business has the potential to become.

She initially thought the large building she purchased for her new practice would be too big, but her practice is already outgrowing the building. She says if she had to do it all over again, she would probably have reached for the stars and bought an even larger building in the beginning.

Allison believes in the power of prayer over everything she does in life, as well as reaching out to others who are important to her for advice.

The warm and inviting entrance to Spa 3:16 evokes an essence of coming home the moment you walk up the front steps.

40

One of Spa 3:16's cozy and relaxing spa treatment rooms. Top right: Spa 3:16 carries the Belly Buttons & Babies skin and hair care products as well as many other products, from apparel and jewelry to supplements and skin care, including PCA Skin Care; glo•minerals; Never Lose Hope designs; Farmhouse Fresh Skin Care; Mono B; Southern Elegance; FakeBake; and Harper+Ari.

"My husband is probably the smartest and most rational person I know, so I always ask his opinions, even though he says I ignore them," she laughs. "I also talk most major decisions over with my mom and my brother. They keep me grounded."

variety of services on both ends of our practice," she explains. "House calls are something no one does anymore, but we do! Most of our spa services are only offered at Spa 3:16 in the West Georgia area.

"You would have to go to Atlanta to get many

Beyond Family Medicine At 3:16 Healthcare and Spa 3:16, their services consist of everything from sports physicals, well checks, annual physicals, sick visits, DOT exams and bioidentical hormones, to weight loss, laser hair removal, body contouring, Botox, fillers and much more.

"We have a huge

Dr. Key in the Spa 3:16 side of 3:16 Healthcare.

41

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of the services we offer, and we have them in one convenient place.

Some of our newest services are hair restoration, bioidentical hormone therapy, PRP facials (Publisher's note: PRP, or Platelet Rich Plasma facials are also known as "vampire facials." These trigger collagen production and Lovely angel paintings line the hallways of 3:16 Healthcare. help smooth, tighten and improve skin tone.) and microblading." relates."Jesus has shaped every part of my life, and I am eternally thankful for His daily help and love. I have known my husband for literally half Her Support System my life now, and he has been there for the highest highs and the lowest lows. He balances me and Allison consistently relies on her faith and has certainly had a huge impact on my life." her family for support. "I can’t even begin to She says her 7-year-old daughter, Ada Lynn, tell you how important my faith is to me," she and 5-year-old son, Luke, are her biggest fans – for now anyway – and they think 3:16 Healthcare is wonderful. "My son thinks I am famous,” she laughs.

"They are the biggest part of why I made the decision to start 3:16 Healthcare.

Without their love and support, it would be difficult to keep

43

Allison does want to slow down after a few years to spend more time with her family and have a little more flexibility in her schedule.

She also wants to write – something she has wanted to do for a long time – she still isn't sure of what she will write about, but she says that will come in time.

For the future of her business, she plans on 3:16 Healthcare and Spa 3:16 being an important part of the Bremen community for a very long time.

"I see 3:16 Healthcare being on the leading edge of changing the way we do medicine in this community – and in this country – so, I plan to still be captaining this ship," she relates. "Life is too short to live unhappy. God plants dreams in our hearts that lead us to His purpose for our lives.

"Opening 3:16 Healthcare was a huge leap of faith and the greatest risk I have ever taken, but it has been the best thing I have ever done. I am getting to live my dream and fall into bed at night feeling satisfied and at peace." WGW

"Life is too short to live unhappy.

God plants dreams in our hearts that lead us to His purpose for our lives."

putting in the sweat equity I have been doing lately."

Allison and her family live on a farm in Bowdon, Ga., with many pets, including cows, cats, dogs, a fish and a turtle named Dolly Roscoe – she says that's a cute story to be shared another day.

The family worships at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, where Allison grew up, and she serves as the church's pianist. She loves to read and travel in her spare time.

Allison, her brother and their families share a unique goal: They want to visit all of the National Parks before their children graduate high school. "You can often find us with stair-step children," she says. "Currently 7, 6, 5, 4 and 1 in a 15-passenger van visiting our nation’s most beautiful landmarks."

Looking Ahead Although she only opened her family medical practice one year ago, 3:16 Healthcare is thriving.

44

To learn more about Allison Key, M.D., 3:16 Healthcare and Spa 3:16, call 770.537.1234, visit the website at www.316healthcare.us or visit them on Facebook and Instagram @spa316ga

Santa Wants You ...

To Subscribe to Your Free Digital Issue. www.westgeorgiawoman.com

45

Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women Photo by Maile Wilson

“What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.”

– Brene Brown

“Appreciation can make a day – even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.”

– Margaret Cousins

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

– Melody Beattie

“Gratitude is an antidote to negative emotions, a neutralizer of envy, hostility, worry and irritation. It is savoring; it is not taking things for granted; it is present-oriented.”

– Sonja Lyubomirsky

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

46

– Oprah Winfrey

Local Happenings

West Georgia Mental Health Professionals Wellness Meetup Group

This group meets the last Saturday of every month in Douglasville or Austell. For more information, contact Cheryl at theheartmatters@gmail.com or 678.754.5840.

Learn more at www.heartmatterswellness.com.

Hope For The Journey This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the Tracy Stallings Community Center at 118 South White St. in Carrollton. These events are free to breast cancer survivors or those currently battling breast cancer.

Learn more at www.hopeforthejourneywestga.org, email execdirector@hopeforthejourneywestga.org or call 770.214.1491.

Rare Pearls Mentoring and Leadership Program

Rare Pearls mission is to enrich and empower the lives of young girls and women. This group meets the third Saturday of each month at WellStar Douglas Hospital, 8954 Hospital Dr. in Douglasville, in the Sycamore Room from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

This program is open to all girls ages 10 to 17.

For more information call 770.947.8210, email rarepearls2015@gmail.com or visit the website at www.rarepearlsmentoringandleadership.org.

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group This group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 500 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton.

These events are free to pregnant women and

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moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free weight checks for your baby will be available. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us.

Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com.

Gertrude's House Breast Cancer Support Group This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Lithia Springs Family Chiropractic at 1758 Lee Rd in Lithia Springs.

This group is open to all survivors, caregivers, supporters, friends, family and those fighting breast cancer.

Visit their Facebook page @GertrudesHouse or email them at GertrudesHouse@yahoo.com.

GriefShare at Tabernacle Baptist Church Utilizing a video seminar, support group and workbook, each of the 13 weekly GriefShare meetings center around a topic important to the grief recovery process.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the meetings run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each evening.

Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Room 256, Carrollton, Ga. Classes are free. Participation workbooks are $15. For more information on GriefShare, call or text John Pearson at 404.368.2746.

DivorceCare at Tabernacle Baptist Church Utilizing a video seminar, support group, and workbook, each of the 13 weekly DivorceCare meetings center around a topic important to your recovery process.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the meetings run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each evening.

Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Room 260, Carrollton, Ga. Classes are free. Participation workbooks are $15.

For more information on DivorceCare, call or text John Pearson at 404.368.2746.

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WGTC Foundation Raises More Than $60,000 at Black Tie & Boots J. Randy Jackson family receives Spirit of Giving award

Lonestar performs at the 17th annual Black Tie & Boots, hosted by the West Georgia Technical College Foundation.

West Georgia Technical College students have something to celebrate after this year’s Black Tie & Boots event. The WGTC Foundation raised a record $60,000 for scholarships and general student support at the 17th annual event this fall.

“We are so grateful to have celebrated another successful year of Black Tie and Boots. The West Georgia Technical College Foundation continues to be humbled by the outpouring of community support for this signature event,” Foundation President Bryant Hightower said. “We are thrilled at this year’s success, and we look forward to reporting back to the community and partners on the lives changed as a result of their generosity.”

Country band Lonestar performed in front of a sold-out crowd at the West Georgia Tech Murphy Campus Conference Center in Waco.

The Foundation also used the event to present its annual Spirit of Giving award to the J. Randy Jackson Family, who created an endowed scholarship in memory of the longtime leader of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point.

“During his life, Randy Jackson was a great supporter of technical education and West Georgia Tech,” WGTC President Dr. Scott Rule said. “He had a vision for investing in the workforce of Troup County. The scholarship provides for future generations of West Georgia Tech students who will be the workforce of tomorrow. We thank Randy’s family for continuing his passion for workforce development with this endowment.”

The award has been given annually since 2008.

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank the West Georgia Technical College Foundation for the Spirit of Giving Award and for the opportunity to

honor my father this evening,” Randy Jackson’s son Jamey said as he accepted the award. “It’s your connection to my father and support of his legacy that brought us all together here. We’re proud that his name, contributions and legacy live on throughout our community and state.”

The WGTC Foundation raised more than $60,000 at this year’s fundraiser. Proceeds from Black Tie & Boots allow the Foundation to provide student scholarships, purchase equipment, support advanced labs and classrooms and provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

“The Foundation has awarded over 120 student scholarships in the past year totaling almost $57,000, so you can see what a huge impact Black Tie & Boots has on what we are able to do to support students,” WGTC Foundation Executive Director Kelsey Jones said. “There is no way we could do what we do without the terrific support of our community partners.”

Jamey Jackson, son of the late Randy Jackson, accepts the 2018 Spirit of Giving Award, given to the Jackson family. Randy Jackson was chief administrative officer at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. His family has established an endowed scholarship in his memory.

WGTC Adding Pharmacy Technology Degree and Diploma After offering a Pharmacy Assistant certificate for several years, West Georgia Technical College is expanding the program to offer an associate degree and diploma in Pharmacy Technology beginning in Spring Semester 2019.

All three credentials are designed to prepare graduates to work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, clinics and other healthcare settings that prepare and dispense medication.

“The Pharmacy Technology degree and diploma programs provide students with a pathway to further their education and opportunities to advance their career in pharmacy,” Pharmacy Technology Program Director Michelle Hill said.

“Our certificate graduates have asked us to provide additional coursework and higher-level credentials to help them advance in their careers.”

West Georgia Tech offers the Pharmacy Technology program on its Douglas Campus. To facilitate the expansion, WGTC is investing about $225,000 to relocate the Pharmacy Technology program to a newly renovated suite with state of the art equipment and design, including three dedicated rooms for laboratory and active learning experiences. The funding was provided through the Technical College System of Georgia’s World Class Lab funds.

The curriculum for the diploma and degree prepares students for entry level employment in retail or hospital-based pharmacy department by providing hybrid and on-campus courses in advanced pharmacy technology principles and advanced practicum opportunities. Students progress through the program as a cohort, bridging networking, community, and collaboration opportunities.

Currently many of the certificate students are dual enrolled Douglas County high school students. The expansion will give them opportunity to further their Pharmacy Technology education in high school and also will provide a local opportunity to continue college coursework after high school graduation, Hill said.

“It gives us great pride to be able to expand our pharmacy program offerings," Dr. Naquilla Thomas, Dean of Health Sciences, said. “By doing so, we continue to cultivate our commitment to impact the lives of our students.”

According to glassdoor.com, Pharmacy Technicians rank third for jobs that saw the highest increase in salary in 2018. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts 12 percent growth in Pharmacy Technology jobs from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

To learn more about the Pharmacy Technology program, please contact Michelle Hill, michelle.hill@westgatech.edu or 770.947.7332 or the Office of Admissions at admissions@westgatech. edu or 844.280.0100.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www. westgatech.edu.

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SHE'S GOT GAME

Bremen High School Softball Player Shelby Daniel Conquers A Life-Altering

UPDATE Curve Ball Photo by Keith May

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ne year ago, West Georgia Woman magazine wrote an article about Shelby Daniel, a remarkable young student and athlete at Bremen High School. The article focused mainly on Shelby and her athletic achievements, but also touched on and explained the serious medical condition Shelby deals with on a daily basis: type 1 diabetes.

Shelby is considered a "brittle diabetic." This means in spite of doing everything possible to maintain her blood sugar balance, she often experiences extremely large and fast shifts in her blood sugar. These extreme episodes can happen suddenly, and with little warning. Even worse, Shelby has become somewhat unaware of these changes.

Brittle diabetes – also known as volatile or labile diabetes – is one of the most dangerous forms of an already extremely dangerous disease. Because blood sugar levels remain unregulated, typically manageable diabetic symptoms can quickly spin out of control.

Although Shelby is a very independent and selfsufficient young woman, she was not able to enjoy many of the perks of maturity and growing older that most teenagers her age take for granted.

Because of her rare form of diabetes, Shelby couldn't sleep, run, workout or do much of anything by herself without constant companionship to watch out for potential seizures or a loss of consciousness.

When we published the article about Shelby in November 2017, she was facing her 16th birthday in December, knowing she would not be able to

O

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Shelby's Diabetic Alert Dog, Susan. She came home to Shelby for good on July 8, 2018.

gain any independence when it was time to obtain her driver's license. In spite of her life-threatening health condition, Shelby was, and still is, determined to conquer the biggest curve ball of her life with strength, courage and dignity.

Since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in August 2012, Shelby has had five life-threatening seizures to date, and all of the five seizures have occurred while she was sleeping. Many young people have died or sustained life-altering brain injuries due to hypoglycemic events and seizures. In each instance of a seizure, a glucagon (pancreatic hormone) shot must be administered to her.

Shelby dreamed of one day having a Diabetic Alert Dog. These dogs are trained to detect changes in blood sugar before they become life threatening, and they can sense these changes more quickly through their sense of smell than a continuous glucose monitor.

Diabetic Alert Dogs are trained to alert the patient and caregivers during a hypoglycemic event, and they work with the patient constantly. However,

these lifesaving companions come with a really large price tag of $15,000. In the summer of 2017, Gwen Green, the mother of Shelby's best friend, Kristen, reached out to Angela Dailey, publisher of West Georgia Woman magazine.

"Gwen messaged me through our Facebook page and told me about Shelby, her condition and her need for a Diabetic Alert Dog," says Angela. "Shelby's friends and family had already raised almost half of the funds needed to purchase the dog, but they still had a long way to go. We're not in the business of soliciting funds from our readers, but we will include a particular cause or nonprofit the women we feature are passionate about, and Shelby's outstanding athletic and academic accomplishments met our editorial board's standards for feature articles. Shelby is giving back to her community since receiving Susan. She takes Susan to elementary schools to help raise awareness for type 1 diabetes and service dogs by So, we wrote the article about Shelby showing children how Susan alerts.

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and her achievements, and included a sidebar at the end of the article telling our readers how they may be able to help."

Shelby's story really resonated with our readers, and primarily, as a result of our article about her, Shelby's life was changed for the better – and much sooner than she expected. In fact, Shelby received all of the funds she needed to purchase her Diabetic Alert Dog by December, the month after the article was published in the November issue of West Georgia Woman magazine.

When we published Shelby's article, her family and friends had already raised $7,200, but the donations had slowed down over the summer.

Within a few days of publishing her article, the Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police started off the fundraising efforts with a bang: They voted unanimously to donate $500 to her cause.

"I was overwhelmed by the FOP's generous donation, and shared the news through all of our social media channels," says Angela. "For the rest of the month I kept tabs on the amount of funds that were coming in on her donation page."

Many of our readers who had shared our social media posts were also donating. Over 130,000 people were reached organically through our print issue and social media posts within the first few

Pediatric, Hand & Speech Therapy

weeks. By November 27, Shelby had only $1,545 left to reach her goal. Then, only 40 days after publishing the article, Shelby met her $15,000 goal in December.

"I heard the news that Shelby had received all of the funds she needed to purchase the dog on my birthday," says Angela. "When I found out, I literally just stopped everything for a moment and began to cry. Even a year later, I still become emotional when I think about Shelby. I was shocked, extremely grateful and humbled all at the same time.

"I couldn't believe that by doing this seemingly small thing – writing an article about this remarkable young female athlete and her need for a dog – would result in such an outpouring of love and support from our readers. That was the best feeling in the world, and the best birthday present I've ever received, knowing that we were able to help Shelby get the dog that might possibly save her life one day."

On the one year anniversary of Shelby's article, we reached out to Shelby to see how she is doing, and to find out how her life has changed since receiving her Diabetic Alert Dog, Susan, on July 8, 2018.

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January 11, 2018 Dear Angela, I wanted to check in with you and thank you for writing the amazing article about my Shelby and publishing it in the November issue of West Georgia Woman Magazine.

The impact that it has made has been massive, and not only am I grateful, but I am extremely humbled by the outpouring of support from the community you serve.

As you probably are aware, we received the entire amount necessary to provide Shelby with a Diabetic Alert Dog and that is largely in part because of your article. We received donations, cards, well wishes and prayers from all over the West Georgia and East Alabama area, proving not only how far your reach is, but also showing how loving and compassionate our community is. We are still receiving donations and letters of support even months after the article has been published, and these additional funds will go to vet support and supplies for the dog.

There truly are not words that express the gratitude to you and West Georgia Woman Magazine for supporting Shelby, and for helping her achieve her goals of having a Diabetic Alert Dog. I am truly overwhelmed at the tremendous response received and extremely grateful for spotlighting Shelby.

In gratitude; Stephanie Daniel 56

WGW: How excited are you that you finally have Susan with you?

SD: I am very excited. She came earlier than we expected, and she has been amazing.

WGW: Is having Susan everything you expected it would be?

SD: I really didn’t have any idea what to expect.

She has been trained very well so she is pretty easy to deal with, and she has a great personality, too. It’s also a lot of work sometimes, because she has needs throughout the day as well. I also didn’t expect all the attention from strangers when I take her places.

WGW: Any challenges with having a new dog in your home?

SD: Susan fits in perfectly. She is extremely sweet and funny and hasn’t been a challenge at all. Her training was impeccable, and I don’t think I could have picked a better dog as far as temperment and fitting in with our family.

WGW: How are you sleeping now? Are you and your parents able to sleep through the night yet?

SD: I don’t know about my mom, but I sure am sleeping better (she laughs). I am sleeping in my own room by myself with Susan, but my mom still checks on me throughout the night – just not nearly as much.

WGW: Did you get your driver's license, and are you able to drive by yourself yet?

SD: Yes. I have my driver's license and drive by myself. I have been seizure free for over a year now.

Susan loves to go places in the car, and I like having her with me.

WGW: Do you bring Susan everywhere you go – such as school, practice or games – or do you leave her at home sometimes?

Shelby receives a lot of attention in public now that she has Susan.

SD: For the first two months, I brought her everywhere. The trainers recommended that for bonding. Since my particular situation is not waking up during the night, she now stays at home during

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WGW: Are you still competing in the extreme mud races?

SD: I skipped the fall race because we had state softball playoffs the next day and I didn’t want any injuries. But, I will be back at it this spring.

WGW: How has having Susan changed your life for the better?

SD: Independence! Plus, she doesn’t nag me. Her alerts are simple and discreet. I think it’s helped my parents feel better about me driving and doing things by myself.

WGW: What are you able to do now that you have Susan that you couldn’t do before?

SD: The biggest thing is I am able to sleep alone now, and that’s huge for me!

All of my seizures happened during my sleep, so I feel safer in my own body at night now.

WGW: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

the day – for the most part. The trainers explained that as a living animal, she needs her rest too, so it was perfectly fine to let her have downtime during the day once the bonding period was over. This way, she is better at alerting at night. Night alerts are the hardest for Diabetic Alert Dogs, especially when they are overly stimulated during the day.

WGW: What happens when you are playing sports or practicing? Is Susan there in the dugout waiting for you?

SD: Yes, in the beginning she was. She rode the bus to a few games, or my mom would bring her to others. She is really good and patient and just hangs out and waits for me. She will come to all of my travel ball tournaments.

SD: The biggest thing is THANK YOU! Susan is amazing, and without the amazing support from the community, I would not have her. It humbles me because I’m not anything special and don’t deserve it. But I am super grateful.

I would also like to invite any teachers or groups interested in learning about type 1 diabetes or service dogs to feel free to contact me. I have been taking her to elementary schools and showing the kids how she alerts and helping raise awareness for type 1 diabetes and service dogs.

West Georgia Woman magazine would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our readers who shared Shelby's story with others, donated funds and sent well wishes to Shelby and her family.

If you would like to learn more about Shelby and Susan, or you would like them to visit your school or organization, please contact Stephanie Daniel, Shelby's mother, at stefdaniel@live.com.

I think we would all agree that Shelby is truly very special and deserving indeed. WGW

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Kids Korner

Turkey Cookies on a Stick

T

By Charlene Brooks Photos by Zachary Dailey

Candy eyes Amonds Craft sticks Crayons

hese adorable and delicious turkey cookies on a stick are a great way to get everyone involved in the holiday "baking." While the adults make other desserts, the kids can prepare these easy-to-assemble treats.

These super cute pinecone gobblers are a wonderful autumn decoration. Your little ones can even use these as placecard holders for the holiday table. Always supervise and help young children when using a hot glue gun.

Instructions

Materials Round tan-colored cookies Red licorice White candy melts Multi-colored candy corn from autumn mix

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Color the craft sticks any color you prefer.

Melt the white candy melts in the microwave as shown on package instructions.

Use the melted candy to adhere the cookie to the stick. Also use the melted candy to adhere the edible eyes and the almond for the beak.

Take a small piece about an inch long of the red licorice to make the snood. Use the melted candy to adhere the snood to the front of the cookie beside the almond nose.

Allow to dry.

Using the melted candy, adhere the candy corn to the back of the cookie to make the turkey's feathers.

Allow to dry.

Pinecone Gobblers

Materials

Pine cones (any size) Feathers Red paint Googly eyes Orange foam sheet Red pipe stem Glue gun Glue sticks

Instructions

Sunday, Nov. 4, Daylight Savings Time Ends.

Remember to Change Your Batteries in All Smoke Alarms in Your Home.

Using the glue gun, glue the feathers onto the back of pine cone. Next, glue the googly eyes onto the front of the pine cone.

Cut a triangular-shape from the orange foam piece for the nose and glue the nose to the pine cone between the eyes.

Take the pipe stem, bend it in the shape of the snood and glue beside the nose.

Take the red paint and paint two places on the bottom of pine cone for the feet. WGW

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