(PHOTOS) Cook-Stewart families hold cancer walk
Stone Mountain Chief of Police Chancey H. Troutman embraces organizer Felix Vaughn during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Stone Mountain, GA — On Saturday, March 26 the Cook-Stewart families held a cancer walk in Stone Mountain to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the American Cancer Society.
“It was a dream that I had, and I had it twice,” Organizer Felix Vaughn said. “I talked to my sisters and said what can we do to give back because cancer has really affected our family a lot from the oldest to my youngest nephew. I came up with the idea to do a walk and to give back to those that have given to us and to others.”
Vaughn’s 1-year-old great-nephew Rico Cox has retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer that usually develops in early childhood. During a program at Leila Mason Park that featured vendors, food and a car show, Vaughn recognized City Councilmembers Gina Stroud Cox and Chakira Johnson, City Manager ChaQuias Miller-Thornton, Chief of Police Chancey H. Troutman and the city’s public works department for helping to make the event happen. The walk raised more than $1,600 in donations.
Amanda Nelms and her parents Ryan and Erica Miller bow their heads for a prayer during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Glen Vaughn and Ruby Dobbs hold the banner as walkers make their way up Mackin Street during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Walkers smile as they finish up the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Cancer survivor Charles Robinson speaks at Leila Mason Park during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Chiquia Cade talks about her daughter Koriana who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2006 as Cassandra Clay holds her photo. “Koriana pushed through for eight years,” Cade said. “Koriana always smiled for everything she went through. She went through so much suffering, so much pain. Never once did Koriana complain. She fought a good fight. On August 17, 2014, she passed away.” Photo by Dean Hesse.
Stone Mountain City Councilmember Chakira Johnson speaks during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. “When we heard about this cause and what the family was going through, it was whatever you need, we’re here, we’ll make it happen,” Johnson said. “I think, if you know me, I have a heart for Shermantown and the whole community of Stone Mountain. This is what we do, we come together and we are a strong community.” Photo by Dean Hesse.
Yasmine Brooks with her son Rico. “My son has retinoblastoma. Stage D in his right eye, Stage C in his left eye,” Brooks said. “It’s a progressive cancer, hereditary or nonhereditary. His is nonhereditary. There’s a lot of chemo. The process is very long. It’s a lot of what if’s and what not’s, but for the most part, he’s a very happy baby. Anybody that knows him, they love him, and I love him.” Photo by Dean Hesse.
Sandra Rudd reacts after winning a raffle for a three-day two-night vacation during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Walkers pass Bethsaida Baptist Church on 4th Street during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Sarah Browning and Carolyn Bell cheer on walkers during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Walkers head down Lucille Avenue during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Kelia Lester gets her face painted by Kelita Cox during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Lakisha Brooks holds her grandson Rico Brooks during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Members of the Street Bosses Car Club hold a big check with their donation during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Stone Mountain City Manager ChaQuias Miller-Thornton get flowers and a hug from Jahczel Brooks during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. “When Felix called, I felt the passion that he had,” Miller-Thornton said. “ I didn’t need any thanks, but I appreciate it because public service is one of the least thanked jobs, but we do it because we have a heart for people and a heart for the community. I can tell you that cancer has touched me in a way over the last year, and seeing all of you here has given me hope. I love this community, and I’m going to miss all of you.” (Miller-Thornton is leaving the city effective April 4.) Photo by Dean Hesse.
James Clark grills hot dogs during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Stone Mountain Mayor Beverly Jones looks at LLR Creations bracelets made by Shaun Reynolds, on left, and her daughter Leah Reynolds during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Alexis Brooks holds her nephew Rico Brooks while she releases a balloon during the Cook-Stewart family cancer walk in Stone Mountain on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.
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