Staff Writers

A fellowship benefit for Larry Miolen will be held at NorthPointe Church in Adairsville on Aug. 8.

Diagnosed with Small Cell Carcinoma in June, Miolen is currently undergoing treatment. His spirits are up though, as he shows his gratitude for his supporters.

“We’re flabbergasted! Our daughter Tracie Silvers and a good friend Dr. Patty Allmon organized the benefit without me knowing. I found out what they were up to by being nosey,” laughed Miolen.

Larry and his wife Pat found it hard to express their gratitude to the overwhelming support they have received.

“Tracie knows so much about what we are going through. Tracie’s son (our grandson) Ashton had cancer and is in remission,” he said.

“So Tracie and Ashton have been a great help. She knows all ins and outs of cancer treatments and about the expenses that are always associated with cancer,” said Miolen’s wife Pat.

“The community has really supported us. Churches have rally around us with prayers and love. We’re so blessed by all this,” she said.

“I went to the doctor with back pain in March of this year—I had know idea that I had lung cancer,” Miolen explained.

“I went to the hospital twice but it was my regular doctor that told me about the malignant tumors.”

“Chemo is awful. You are out of for a week after you have the treatment,” he said.

Miolen is not taking his diagnosis lying down as he continues to stay busy through his position as assistant chief of police for the City of Adairsville.

“I don’t want to sit at home and think about it. I have always loved law enforcement. I am still a first responder for the police department and I also handle administration and investigations. I enjoy keeping busy,” he said.

Over the last 30+ years, Larry has provided public service for many close by counties, such as, Whitfield, Gordon, and Bartow.

The Miolens came to Calhoun in the seventies to work as Medical Emergency technicians. “I just love helping people,” Miolen said.

Many residents may know Miolen for his work with the Gordon County Sheriff’s department. Miolen worked for many years with the department while continuing his efforts as an EMT part time.

The Miolens still call Calhoun home and are active members of Salem Baptist Church. They have two daughters Tracie Silvers and Michelle Anderson and seven grandchildren.

They were eager to thank Salem Church and the numerous others that have them in their prayers.

“So many prayers have been offered for me. I am so touched by this. I was told that 30 percent of the people with this type of cancer survive and 70 percent don’t. With all this support and as long as I do well with the treatments I feel like I am in that 30 percent,” he said.

“When not working, Miolen enjoys Gospel music. “I love gospel singing and several of my favorite groups have me on their prayer list too.”

Although Miolen speaks with a deep, melodic base voice, he is quick to point out that he doesn’t sing.

“No he can’t sing. But he loves to listen to others,” laughs his wife.

Miolen added that “Haven of Rest” is his favorite song.

Spaghetti plates, for $5, will be served beginning at 5 p.m., including spaghetti, corn, salad, a roll, dessert and a drink.

Entertainment for the event will begin at 7 p.m. by the Renewed Trio of Adairsville, Emmaus Road Quartet of Dalton, and the Jimmy Temples Family of Cartersville.

“I want to thank the communities of Bartow, Gordon and Whitfield County for their outpouring of love, phone calls and cards. It has made everything easier,” he concluded.