SSCC, Friends of Jaclyn, & NED Host Cancer Impact Town Hall

January 14, 2026 — Shelton State Community College (SSCC) will host a community-wide town hall on Tuesday, January 27 at 10:30 a.m. in the Martin Campus Gym, bringing together survivors, advocates, healthcare leaders, and community voices to discuss the impact of cancer on individuals, families, and communities. Doors will open at 10:00 a.m., and the event is open to the public.

The town hall is presented in partnership with Friends of Jaclyn (FOJ) and No Evidence of Disease (NED) and will be moderated by Rick Karle, longtime local sports director, cancer survivor, and creator of the Good News blog, which highlights uplifting human-interest stories throughout the region. Karle’s personal cancer journey and commitment to sharing stories of hope and resilience make him a meaningful choice to lead the discussion.

Featured panelists include Dennis Murphy, founder of Friends of Jaclyn and NED; Sarah Patterson, legendary former gymnastics coach at The University of Alabama; Mike Raita, Regional Director for U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville; and representatives from DCH Hospital, along with other prominent members of the Tuscaloosa community.

As part of the program, each panelist will wear a shirt in the color representing the type of cancer that has most impacted their life serving as a powerful visual reminder of the many forms cancer takes and the shared strength of those affected.

“This town hall is about visibility, empathy, and hope,” said SSCC President Dr. Jonathan Koh. “By bringing together voices from across our community, we aim to foster meaningful conversation and remind those impacted by cancer that they are not alone.”

Shelton State Athletics began its partnership with Friends of Jaclyn in 2023 and has since adopted two young cancer patients, reinforcing the College’s ongoing commitment to service, compassion, and community engagement.

For more information about Shelton State, visit sheltonstate.edu.