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The Hope Takes Flight Award is an annual award that recognizes an individual or business who, through their volunteerism, profession, or financial contribution to cancer patients and/or the American Cancer Society, has provided hope for so many who are battling cancer throughtout Washington County or adjoining counties. Their contribution has also provided support for caregivers in our area.

Congratulations to
the 2025 Finalists!

Charlene Lane

Charlene is a Nurse Navigator at the John Marsh Cancer Center. Her role is to guide patients throughout their treatments and she is the liaison between the doctors and patients.  She goes above and beyond in her position to check on patients, responding quickly to any questions, and even serves as a shoulder to cry on for those patients encountering their most difficult days.

Lou Scally

Lou Scally donated his time to serve as the Emcee for the Grand Sunday Brunch for many years, if not every year that it was in existence. The event would also be promoted on his radio and TV stations. In addition, he was the emcee for the opening ceremonies of the annual Relay for Life event held in Washington county for countless years. At most of the annual events, Lou would also coordinate live on-air coverage of the event on WHAG-TV. This enabled our event, as well as the American Cancer Society, to spread the mission and get the information out about the many programs in support of patients and their families in the TV viewing area.

Past Hope Takes Flight Award Recipients

Garnet Stevens

2018

Sara Mulkey

2019

Crystal Ancarrow and Keith Grossnickle

2021

Laurie Frey

2022

Laurie Meyers

2023

D.M. Bowman, Inc.

2024

What is the inspiration for the Hope Takes Flight Award?

The Hope Takes Flight Award was created as a way to remember Melissa Wheatcraft.  Melissa served as a committee member of the Relay For Life of Washington County for several years.  While never one to want to be in the limelight, Melissa worked behind the scenes to help where ever needed to further the fight against cancer.  Even her own diagnosis with terminal cancer couldn't stop her from helping with the hope that cancer, one day, will be eliminated.  Melissa was always willing to share her cancer journey, as long as it would conclude in a donation to the American Cancer Society.


Melissa's love of butterflies inspired the name of the award.  Just as the butterfly floats through the air, the hope that so many in our community provide flows throughout Washington County and benefits those who have been diagnosed with cancer as well as their loved ones.

Nominations for the 2025 Hope Takes Flight Award are now being accepted.

Know a person or business who is deserving of the award? Help us to shine the spotlight on those unsung heroes in our community.

Submit your nomination for the 2025 award!

Submit your nomination for the 2025 Hope Takes Flight Award!

Hope Takes Flight nomination form
To submit a nomination, 
please complete the form 
or download the PDF above.