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Smyrna proclaims September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; Mighty Millie Foundation recognized
Summary
Smyrna Mayor and Council proclaimed September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and welcomed the Mighty Millie Foundation and the Shields family to describe local supports for pediatric patients, including a popsicle program delivered to hospitals.
Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton and the City Council proclaimed September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and recognized Smyrna‑based nonprofit efforts to support families affected by pediatric cancer.
Councilmember Wilkerson read a proclamation that cited national and state childhood cancer statistics and honored Smyrna families currently navigating treatment and survivorship. The proclamation named the Shields family and the Mighty Millie Foundation for local work supporting children and their families.
Nick Barasek, representing the Mighty Millie Foundation, spoke about the nonprofit’s origins in Smyrna and its mission to provide small comforts for pediatric hospital patients. "We support 118 hospitals across the country with popsicles," Barasek said, adding the group began at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and has since expanded its reach. He invited residents to upcoming events and to visit mightymilli.org for more information.
Emily and Ken Shields, Smyrna residents, described their son Noah’s diagnosis in May 2023 and an approximately 8½‑month course of radiation and chemotherapy. "He went through about 8 and a half months of treatment... and he is about 6 months off with 2 clear scans so far," the family said. Six‑year‑old Noah addressed the council briefly and told attendees he was "brave" during treatment.
The recognition included an invitation for community support and highlighted local partners who have provided meals and other assistance during treatment. Council members and staff took a group photo with the family and representatives of the Mighty Millie Foundation following the presentation.
The council did not take formal policy action tied to the proclamation; the recognition serves as a civic acknowledgement and a call to community support and awareness.
