Tanner News

After a month of fundraising, employees at Decostar Industries in Carrollton presented a check for $7,576 to help local cancer patients through Tanner Foundation’s Cancer Patients Assistance Fund.

Donations to the fund provides help to local cancer patients with the cost of medication, treatment and even transportation — a need which is often invisible to others.

Throughout October, employees held fundraising events, including hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Walk/Run in Carrollton and selling breast cancer awareness T-shirts and pink ribbons.

They also raised funds by collecting donations throughout October, including a donation from Decostar’s charitable committee.

Fadi Chabbouh, Magna Exteriors general manager, presented the donation at an employee meeting at Decostar’s Carrollton facility.

“Giving back is a key part of our company culture,” said Chabbouh. “Magna is dedicated to working with charitable organizations making a difference in communities where employees live and work.”

The automotive manufacturer is a division of one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, Magna International Inc. which has raised money for cancer research and supported American Red Cross relief efforts following hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Decostar Industries in Carrollton recently received ­the 2019 Community Impact award from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and honor given to an automotive company that “strongly demonstrates a high level of corporate citizenship” in the local community.

Shellie A. Sherrod, vice president of physician and business development with Tanner Health System, and Mary Saravia Busby, director of development for Tanner Foundation, attended the meeting and spoke about the impact Decostar’s gift would have.

Sherrod said that their gift would provide assistance to Tanner cancer patients. It could fund medication assistance for patients through June 2022; provide up to 300 trips to medical appointments or help maintain vehicles that have been donated to drive patients to their appointments.

“Thank you so much for your donation,” Sherrod said to the employees. “Most of us have had a family member or friend impacted by cancer, and we know how hard that struggle can be. We’re so thankful to all of the Decostar employees for supporting cancer patients who live in our community.”

Chabbouh said Decostar’s team were glad to help in the region’s battle against cancer.

“Our employees are extremely proud to support the fight against cancer,” said Chabbouh. “If this donation helps just one person in our community, then they have made a difference in the fight against this disease.”