Former classmates honor cancer victim with garden

September 4, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBIANA

Many people reunite with former high-school classmates only on special occasions such as at reunions.

But for Tammy Roder of Twinsburg, seeing several members of her graduating class means a lot more than merely reminiscing about old times and catching up.

“It’s such an honor for me,” said Roder, a Columbiana High School Class of 1977 graduate who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cried about it — that these people came together for me.”

Roder, a former claims-adjustor for State Farm Insurance, was referring to the Celebration of Life garden that several members of her graduating class soon will be planting in Harvey S. Firestone Memorial Park. The effort got underway last February to honor Roder, whose disease had been in remission three times before returning this year.

Spearheading the project are Dane Lavin, Dave Noll and Kim Dodson-Mayer, all of Columbiana, and Colleen Anderson of Follansbee, W.Va.

So far, a tree and surrounding flowers were planted and a few benches placed. They were dedicated to Roder in May, she noted. Planting of the garden is to begin this month and will include a walkway, she said.

Lavin, who is a graphic artist, developed five designs for the project in several phases, Roder said, adding that Anderson sold neck- laces and other merchandise to raise money for her.

Dodson-Mayer sought grant money for the garden, and Noll raised additional funds, she continued.

“[Lavin] showed it to me, and I said, ‘This is just wonderful,’” Roder said of the layout and plans.

Roder also wished to thank the community for reaching out to her.

“I’ve gotten so much support from Columbiana,” she added.