On Aug. 11, the American Cancer Society will present its 39th Annual Swordsman’s Ball at the Cobb Galleria Centre from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. The theme, “Warriors of the Fight,” focuses on people who surround cancer patients during their cancer battles such as family, friends, nurses and doctors.

Like many, Babe Atkins-Byrne knows the heartache of cancer. Her mother, Gladys, died March 27, 1983, at age 67 from cancer affecting the lungs and liver.

“My mother was my hero,” she said. “It was the toughest thing I have ever gone through.”

Following her mother’s death, Atkins-Byrne wanted to help others with the fight against cancer. Judge Jim Bodiford solicited her to help with ticket sales for an ACS event. Since then, Atkins-Byrne continued her efforts with ACS raising funds and serving on the ACS Board.

“It’s just such a part of me to work with the ACS. It’s just part of my life. The (ACS) is just so important to me,” said Atkins-Byrne, the chair of the American Cancer Society Cobb Leadership Council (formerly called the Board of Directors).

This year, the event brings together corporations, philanthropic leaders and community leaders all for the cause of fighting cancer. Proceeds from the gala benefit the ACS. Al and Christina Martin and Mazi Mazloom are this year’s chairs. The presenting sponsor for the gala is WellStar Health System.

The event will feature a silent auction, food and beverages, and a musical performance by Prime. The program will include a video of cancer survivors and their “warriors” with them in the fight.

“We encourage everyone in Cobb County to come out for the Swordsman’s Ball and help celebrate the people in our community who are cancer patients and survivors and the people who provide so much comfort and support to them during their cancer experience,” Atkins-Byrne said. “Cancer is a disease that affects everyone, and all of us have most likely have experienced the devastation that cancer brings. By participating in the Swordsman’s Ball, we can all help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays for everyone.”

For more information or to sign up to sponsor the event, contact Jessica Sweeney at (770) 429-0089 or jessica.sweeney@cancer.org, visit www.swordsmansball.org, or search “Cobb ACS Swordsman’s Ball” on Facebook.