Lighthouse shines light on families struggling with cancer

Atlanta-based Lighthouse Family Retreat has brought more than 700 families to South Walton’s beaches for the 10 years since its inception. The goal this year is to be able to bring even more.

However, to be able to accomplish this, money must be raised. The Lighthouse is looking to raise a large chunk of that money at the Seaside Half Marathon on March 7. 

The Lighthouse Family Retreat is a Christian-based non-profit organization that was founded in 1999 by Melinda Mayton, a pediatric oncology nurse in Atlanta, to bring families to the beach for rest, relaxation, encouragement and support while dealing with their child’s cancer.

Mayton chose South Walton’s beaches 10 years ago to be the site where these families facing life-threatening situations would receive much-needed rejuvenation.

The Lighthouse plans to do 10 retreats this year between April 5 and Oct. 10, bringing 120-140 families.

“We want to build a sense of community and acceptance of these families that we bring down and embrace these groups and make them feel loved in our area,” said Denise Earles, Florida director of development for Lighthouse Family Retreat.

In addition to the love, Earles said she would also like to find people willing to donate their time, meals, gifts, and homes to house the families.

“So many want to come, but we don’t have the funds,” said Earles.

Earles and new Lighthouse President Powell Grisham will be running for Team Lighthouse in the Seaside Marathon in hopes of raising $50,000 to fund the coming year. Donations will be accepted the day of the race, by calling (678) 290-2955 or at www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org.

COUNTDOWN TO SEASIDE RACE

While registration is now closed for the race it’s never too late to be a spectator. The eighth annual Seaside School Half Marathon and 5K Run is set for Sunday, March 7 at 7 a.m.
Last year's race event attracted more than 2,800 runners who hailed from all across the United States.
3,000 runners from over 40 states will come to our beaches to run in the most picturesque race in the U.S.

Help keep the runners safe by observing the following road closures along Highway 30-A:

•Both lanes of Highway 30-A will be closed from CR 395 at Seagrove to CR 393 at Gulf Place from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

•The eastbound lane of Highway 30-A from Seaside to CR 393 at Gulf Place will be closed from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

•The westbound lane of Highway 30-A will re-open at 9:00 a.m from Grayton Beach State Park to CR 393 at Gulf Place.