Book Lovers hold breast cancer event in honor of Maudie Bedford
News, Russellville, Top News Stories FRONT PAGE, Z - News Main, Z - TOP HOME
 By  María Camp Published 
5:26 pm Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Book Lovers hold breast cancer event in honor of Maudie Bedford

“Cancer is an indiscriminate killer, and it goes after young and old,” explained Roger Bedford, attorney and former senator, during his remarks at the annual Walk to Wellness breast cancer fundraiser.

The event is hosted by the Russellville GFWC Book Lovers Study Club each October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“What we need to do is keep raising money like this and get the research done so that we can eliminate cancer and allow people to live good, healthy lives,” he added.

Bedford’s experience on this front is far too close to home, as he lost his wife of more than three decades, long-time Russellville resident Maudie Bedford, to cancer in March of this year. She battled breast cancer 12 years ago, and it returned two years ago in the form of breast and colon cancer.

“I miss Maudie every day,” he shared. “After 37 years, I still want to get her a cup of coffee in the morning. Thank y’all for being here, and thank you for dedicating this event to her memory. I can’t thank you enough on behalf of my family.”

Funds raised will go toward helping local people with screenings and treatment.

“Maudie raised money and worked to help others with breast cancer while she was undergoing breast cancer treatment herself,” explained club president Brenda Oliver. “She was a very caring person.”

Club member and former club president Patricia Cox explained the annual event started five years ago.

“The president of the Book Lovers Club always has a project, and we chose Breast Cancer Awareness,” explained Cox. “When I mentioned it to Maudie, she was on board fully. We just kind of continued what she was already doing.”

Cox said many in attendance at this year’s event, which included several members of Maudie’s family, knew her well and “what a giving heart she had.”

“Maudie was already helping women with incidentals, like needing help with a wig or special eyelash cream or anything she could do because she knew, you want to feel beautiful, and she was such a beautiful soul and such a giving soul,” continued Cox.

“Maudie, myself, Rebecca Reeves and Sheila Upchurch met and planned this event, and we just feel like Maudie was so instrumental in this,” Cox added. “Over the five years, we’ve raised over $10,0000 to give to the community for women and families. We love Maudie and honor her.”

“We have been blessed,” added club member Michelle Sibley. “Most of the people here today have walked this walk for several years in a row, and you have really helped us bless people in need in this community.”

Sibley introduced Dr. Jeffrey Manord as speaker.

“I can tell you the relief on somebody’s face when they realize, ‘Hey, I’ve got help. I’ve got somebody that’s supporting me.’ I thank your group for what you do,” Manord said.

Ninety-nine people registered for the event, and about 65 participated in the walk. Cox said while the total raised is not final, it “was right at $3,000,” noting they usually average around $2,000 for the event.

Proceeds will be donated to the Russellville Hospital Cancer Fund as well as directly to individuals for screenings, treatment and to help survivors.

Also on Franklin County Times
Case on injury of student moves to Franklin
Main, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 3, 2025
TUSCUMBIA — The Police Department has transferred the case involving a 15-year-old Deshler High School freshman who was seriously injured outside the ...
Council’s goals: More industry, infrastructure improvements
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 3, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Mayor David Grissom and the Russellville City Council are preparing to begin new four-year terms Nov. 3, with a focus ongrowth,infrastr...
Ex-Russellville superintendent Ray remembered
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 3, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Dr. Wayne Ray, who served as superintendent of Russellville City Schools from 2000 to 2008, died Aug. 27 at age 82. Ray spent 44 years...
Third annual cruise-in returns to Roxy Sept. 13
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 3, 2025
Downtown Russellville will be buzzing again soon when classic cars and old memories cruise back to the historic Roxy Theatre for the third annual crui...
Grants help Tharptown shine in athletics, the arts
High School Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 3, 2025
RUSSELVILLE — Recent Northwest Resource Conservation & Development Council funding is giving students at Tharptown High School new opportunities both ...
Family brings flavor to AWF cook-offs
News
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
September 3, 2025
Kin Merchant began competing in the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s annual Wild Game Cook-offs the same year he enrolled as a culinary student at the Un...
RHS drops home opener to Mars Hill
B: Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers, Sports
Brannon King For the FCT 
September 3, 2025
The Russellville Golden Tigers fell to 0-2 on the varsity football season with a 47-19 loss to the Mars Hill Panthers before a home crowd. Mars Hill j...
Belgreen sweeps 3 opponents
B: Sports, Belgreen Bulldogs, High School Sports
Bart Moss For the FCT 
September 3, 2025
Belgreen secured volleyball wins over Colbert County, Hackleburg and Phillips last week. The Lady Bulldogs swept the Indians in two sets, 25-13 and 25...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *