Phoebe Cancer Center Announces 2025 Lights of Love Tree Lighters

Albany, GA | October 24, 2025 – Longtime friends, coworkers, and cancer survivors, Shelly Green and Paige Rice share a bond that has carried them through some of life’s hardest moments. This year, they will stand together to light the Lights of Love tree, an honor that holds deep meaning for them both.

Shelly’s journey began in January 2023 with a melanoma diagnosis. “I was devastated,” she said. “My daughter was starting her senior year of high school, and my son was about to graduate from college. My first thought was, ‘Will I even be here to see them finish?” Support came quickly from family, friends, coworkers, and even customers at her family business. “They surrounded me with love and positivity. Even my doctors prayed with me,” Shelly said. “I really felt cared for.”

Just months later, Paige got her own diagnosis. “When I found out I had breast cancer I immediately got emotional. I was so afraid.” she said. Receiving treatment close to home at Phoebe helped calm her fears. “If I had to travel to Atlanta, I would’ve been so anxious,” Paige said. “I like being at home. Having care here with doctors I already knew made me feel safe.”

The two friends leaned on each other. “Paige and I have worked together for years,” Shelly said. “We’ve always had this sisterhood. When I was diagnosed, she was there for me. Then the next year, it was her turn. We looked at each other and said, Here we go again. We’ve got this.”

Their ties to Lights of Love go back decades. As members of the Junior Woman’s Club, they have spent time volunteering with the event. “We used to volunteer at Phoebe, opening envelopes, counting donations, writing thank-you notes,” Paige said. “We went to every tree lighting. Now, after both of us have been through cancer, being asked to light the tree together feels like things have come full circle.”

Both women want their stories to encourage others beginning treatment. “The unknown is the scariest part,” Paige said. “Radiation isn’t as bad as you think. You can do it.”

Shelly nodded. “Cancer isn’t my life. Every day I get up, put on my makeup, and go to work. That’s what keeps me going.”

For them, Lights of Love is more than a holiday tradition. “It warms your heart to see people working for healing and a better life,” Shelly said. Paige added, “It’s just a beautiful event. It brings people together. I hope everyone comes out and takes part.” As the lights glow this December, Shelly and Paige will stand side by side once again at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for the 2025 Lights of Love Tree Lighting on December 2 at 6:30 p.m. They are grateful to share their story and honor the medical team and community that stood with them. Please join Shelly and Paige by donating to Lights of Love today.