ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Two best friends who battled cancer side-by-side were honored at Phoebe Putney’s annual Lights of Love event, sharing their story to inspire other patients and families.

Shelly Green was diagnosed in 2023 with stage-four cancer. Her best friend of 30 years, Paige Rice, was diagnosed a year later with stage-one breast cancer. The two say their diagnoses was one of the hardest things they faced but having each other made the fight easier.

“We’re both in remission and doing well. We hope the next chapter of our lives will be wonderful,” Green said.

Rice emphasized the importance of accepting support during treatment.

“Absolutely lean on your family and accept their help and support. There’re tons of people and places that are willing to help you out. It feels good to have that support from people,” Rice said.

The two were honored at Phoebe’s annual fundraiser event. Donations from this tree lighting event support cancer treatment equipment and help fund Phoebe’s Light House patient resource center that supports patients and families during treatment.

Shelly and Paige hope their story will be a light for anyone facing cancer, a reminder that hope, help, and the community are close by.

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