Bethany Baptist Church took the reigns this past weekend and many throughout Covington County followed suit to bring awareness to ovarian cancer and support locals who are battling the disease.
On Saturday night, Tamara Wilson, wife of Bethany Baptist Church pastor Josh Wilson, posted to Facebook encouraging the congregation and all of Covington County to wear teal to support Bailey Byrd.
“Bethany Baptist, Covington County and anyone else who wants to participate: We are asking everyone to wear teal clothes, fingernails and/or toes to church (Sunday) in support of Bailey Byrd.”
Tuesday, the Wilsons were in Texas showing their support for the Byrds.
“Several ladies discussed what we could do as a church to show our love, support, encouragement and prayers from a distance while Bailey Byrd was in Houston at MD Anderson,” Wilson said. “We decided to wear teal since it represents ovarian cancer. We took many pictures of individual families and of our entire church and sent all to the Byrd family so they would know they are not alone on this journey.
“They have a church family who is loving them through each step of the way,” she said. “Bethany Baptist Church plans to dress in yellow as a celebration when Megan Kelley, also a member, finishes her last cancer treatment, too.”
Photos posted to the Bailey’s Journey Facebook page show the overwhelming response to the plea and support for Byrd, who is currently back at MD Anderson awaiting surgery tomorrow.
Additionally, Cancer Freeze organizers participated, too.
“Since both Kennedy (Cleghorn) and Bailey were recipients for Cancer Freeze 2014, and both of them have had to begin treatment again for ovarian cancer, I thought we would turn Cancer Freeze teal in their honor to show support for them,” said Jennifer Davidson of Cancer Freeze. “It’s pretty awesome to look on our news feed on Facebook and see all the teal people who are wearing and sharing in support.”
Byrd’s family said on the Bailey’s Journey Facebook page Monday that they were thankful for the support shown.
“Our family wants to say a big thank you to Bethany Baptist Church, Covington County and all the other places that showed their support for Bailey (Sunday) wearing teal,” the post read. “We are humbled and so thankful for each one of you. God has blessed us through this journey with so many amazing friends, family and many strangers that we have never met.”