Varun Nukala is a senior at Duke University majoring in Neuroscience with minors in chemistry and computational biology. He is from Columbus, Georgia and in his free time he enjoys playing basketball and tennis. Varun developed a database and updated our Cancer Resource Directory. He was such a joy to work with and promises to help whenever he is needed.
Mrs. Leslie Morris was born and raised in Columbus, GA and attended Jordan High School. She then went on to Columbus State University, where she graduated, and then began to work for Synovus, where worked for the last 34 years, but most recently retired in Dec. 2020.
She’s been married for 35 years to her wonderful husband, and they share 2 children. Her oldest lives here in Columbus and her youngest daughter lives in Atlanta, GA. She has 1 grandson, whom she loves dearly.
How did you get involved with WCGCC and what is your role?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, 2012. In January, 2013, I went through all of my surgeries (double mastectomy) and then chemo and radiation that March. By fall of 2013, I was completed with all of my treatment and that’s when I was introduced to a then co-worker to volunteer at WCGCC. She invited me to a committee meeting, and I then became involved. It started to become very near and dear to me because over time, some of my friends started to develop breast cancer.
Five years ago, I began to chair events, and for the past three years, I have served as the assistant treasurer on the board of directors.
Special Interest- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Well, my husband refers to me as the “World Famous Fiddler”- meaning I love “fiddling” with all types of things. I love learning how things work and also how to fix things. I’m a huge Georgia Bulldog fan and love to watch and go their games. I also love to travel with my family.
One word that best describes the WCGCC?
Community- Minded
Columbus, GA is my home. I attended Hardaway High class of 1977. I join the USAR (United States Army Reserve) in 1978 and was a Medical Lab Specialist (Med. Tech). I started working for Columbus Regional while I was in the Reserves in 1982. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a job as a Clinical lab assistant and I was hired as a phlebotomist. That would be the first of many doors I would walk through at Columbus Regional Healthcare. I was the Accessioning Manager when the department was 1st established. Later, on the job trained to become a certified Histology Technician. The next step was to join Physician division as an office manager and I really loved taking care of those patient but as that department phase out so did that position, and I landed in SOURCE. It was a great opportunity to work with disabled clients and their families.
In December 2003 a week before Christmas I broke my ankle and found a new calling – Nursing.
I graduated from Columbus Technical College with my ADN 2006. I have worked in Surgery as a circulator, Medsurg nurse in neuro., Research took me to John B. Amos Cancer Center and today I am the Breast Health Navigator. I achieved my BSN from Capella University 2019. I have work with two Community health-based programs; West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition (adult focus) and Columbus Wellness (Adult and Children focus). I am a member of Pinehurst Baptist Church and have been a Sunday School teacher for single ladies’ class and the 4th grader class.
I am blessed to have my children here in Columbus as well as my six grandchildren. I love my 4- legged babies too. My animal are rescues but I think they may have saved me.
It has been about 15 years since I started working with WCGCC. I remember my 1st case when the young lady had an abnormal test result and how I was able to help get her to a physician to
work with her. And she is still around to share that story. It is a blessing to be part of an organization that centers on helping our community to a healthier lifestyle. I love being able to tell about upcoming events or activities within our community. A community health advisor are the branches of the WCGCC that sows the seeds in our community. It is an awesome role!
Q: How did you get involved with West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition (WCGCC) -What is your role?
A: I am a community Health Advisor. I can educate our community about services we have available to promote client health and prevention/intervention activities to reduce the episodes of cancer.
Q: Special interest- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A In my quiet time I enjoy several different crafting activities, crocheting and I truly enjoy my four-legged babies.
Q: One word that best describes the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition?
A: Resourceful. They are very creative in helping clients. I really like the resourcefulness of our team to get clients the care they need.
Want to help others but don’t know how to become a volunteer? WCGCC works with many different organizations in the community. As a non-profit organization, donating or volunteering your time is what keeps us going. As a volunteer you will have the chance to either work with us in the field of educating others or working in the office for daily operations with flexible hours. In order to volunteer, contact WCGCC and submit an application, sign a HIPPA and a confidentiality agreement form, as the privacy of our patients are very important to us.
The perfect opportunity if interested in Public Health or Non-Profit organization, is to intern at WCGCC. We provide excellent off campus education for working directly with people in the community through educating or fund development and grant writing. In the past few years WCGCC has worked closely with students enrolled in the undergraduate Health Science Program at Columbus State University, and graduate students from Mercer University, Medical Students from Medical College of Georgia, and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Mrs. LaVerne Jackson is a native of Columbus, Georgia and a graduate of Spencer High School Class of 1960. She is an LPN who was employed with Columbus Regional Health for 40 years and retired from John B. Amos Cancer Center in 2009. She is a faithful greeter at Holsey Chapel CME Church and a recent recipient of the 2017 Community Service Award. She is the president of the Health Ministry; serve on the Christian Board of Education along with many other ministries within her church. She also honors breast cancer survivors in her church during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Along with her community, church and family responsibilities Ms. Jackson volunteers at Valley Rescue Mission feeding the hungry program.
Q: How did you get involved with West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition (WCGCC) -What is your role?
A: After retiring from John B. Amos Cancer Center, WCGCC asked me about working with them as a Community Health Advisor (CHA) because of my experience of working with cancer patients. I have been working with WCGCC for the past 7 years. I assist in the monthly Breast Cancer Screening Clinic with Dr. Kenneth L. Smith, MD, FACS at John B. Amos Cancer Center in which WCGCC partners to provide assistance to persons who meet the qualifications to offer FREE Clinical Breast Exams, Education and/or Mammograms. On behalf of the WCGCC, I provide community education and outreach during health fairs on the importance of cancer prevention.
Q: Special interest- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I like to read and go line-dancing weekly. I also love spending time with my family and helping others. I am the mother of two sons and grandmother to five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Q: One word that best describes the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition?
A: If I had to say one word that best describes WCGCC, I would say, “Service”.
