Georgia Cancer Specialists Employee Named Mrs. Georgia 2009 in American Queen Pageant
Nicole Belcher Second Runner-up in National Mrs. American Queen Competition
Belcher Working to Prevent Domestic Violence Through Cause-Oriented Pageant
Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) employee Nicole Belcher was recently crowned Mrs. Georgia 2009 in the cause-oriented Georgia American Queen Pageant. The pageant supports the Domestic Abuse Stops Here (DASH) foundation, a nonprofit organization that combats domestic violence through early education and support of victims.
As winner of the Mrs. Georgia competition, Belcher visits domestic violence support centers around the state to speak to victims, educating them on how to get out of abusive relationships safely.
“I grew up in a family that was affected by domestic violence, so I can personally relate to a lot of the women I talk to,” said Belcher. “It’s hard sometimes, because talking to victims can bring back painful memories. Even though it’s not always easy, supporting the DASH foundation through the Mrs. Georgia pageant has been an enriching experience. It feels good to give back.”
Belcher recently returned from Florida where she competed in the 2009 National American Queen Pageant July 31 and August 1. She finished as the second runner-up for the national title. Throughout the year she will continue to support the DASH program’s domestic violence prevention initiatives by supporting individual victims at shelters and appearing at middle and high schools to educate students about what domestic abuse is and how to prevent it.
“We feel that if we equip boys and girls with the skills they need to recognize and avoid domestic violence at an early age, we can prevent them from being victimized or victimizing others,” said pageant Executive Director Sunjia Burks.
Belcher’s support of the DASH foundation is an excellent example of the commitment to community involvement displayed by GCS employees. Each year, GCS presents Totes 2 Tots, an initiative that gives new and nearly new suitcases, book bags, and duffel bags to foster kids who might otherwise have to tote belongings from home to home in garbage bags. GCS employees also participate in important events that aid in the fight against cancer, including the Breast Cancer 3-Day, Relay for Life, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and the Atlanta 2-Day Walk.
Georgia Cancer Specialists is the largest private medical oncology/hematology practice in the Southeast and a leader in advanced cancer treatment and research. The practice offers community-based medical oncology and hematology services and is the first private oncology practice to also provide a full range of support services for patients in Georgia, including nutritional counseling, pain management, wellness counseling, and home health coordination. The GCS research department, whose focus is bringing targeted cancer therapy to communities, is the first in Georgia to offer Phase I clinical trials, the most novel cancer therapies available. GCS has 30 offices, 42 physicians, and more than 480 support staff members located in Metro Atlanta, North and Central Georgia, Southeast Tennessee, and Southwest North Carolina, and provides care through approximately 205,000 annual patient visits. Georgia Cancer Specialists can be found on the web at www.gacancer.com. GCS is The Cancer Answer.
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