By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter and Zeta Amicae of Covington Extend Support to local shelter
zeta phi beta
Contributed Photo

On Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, in partnership with Good Health WINS, the chapter and auxiliary came together to provide vital support to The Rainbow Community Shelter through the Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE) program. 

The donation included essential supplies such as tissue, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, laundry detergent, thermometers, beef and chicken broth, and Gatorade/Powerade. These items were carefully selected to meet basic needs and promote health and wellness for the individuals served by the shelter. 

Chernique Conyers, Second Vice President of Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter and Chair of the ZHOPE Program, played a pivotal role in organizing the effort. 

“Z-HOPE is about action and impact,” Conyers said. “Through this initiative, we aimed to bring comfort and support to those who need it most, reinforcing our commitment to service and community care.” 

Marketa Killingbeck, President of Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter, also emphasized the importance of the project.

“Our purpose as a chapter is to uplift our community through tangible acts of service. This donation is a reflection of our dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of those facing challenges,” Killingbeck said.

The Zeta Amicae of Covington, in collaboration with the chapter, contributed significantly to the success of the project. Their dedication highlights the strength of unity and partnership within the Zeta family. 

In addition to their work with The Rainbow Community Shelter, the chapter and its auxiliaries have made a meaningful impact through their Angel Tree Initiative. Partnering with their Youth Auxiliary, they donated Christmas gifts to several families at their Adopt-A-School partners, South Salem Elementary and Liberty Middle Schools. This effort ensured that children and families in need could experience the joy of the holiday season. 

These initiatives align with the founding principles of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., by five trailblazing women, Zeta was built on the ideals of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. For over 100 years, Zeta has been a driving force in uplifting communities and empowering individuals through impactful programs and initiatives like Z-HOPE. 

Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter, chartered in Covington, continues this proud legacy by focusing on service projects that address the needs of the local community. 

The Z-HOPE Program and Angel Tree Initiative are just a few of the many ways the chapter creates a positive impact. 

For more information about Phi Omicron Zeta Chapter and its programs, please visit https://www.facebook.com/zphibpoz

Oxford woman shares experience battling colon cancer
Leni Longino
Leni Longino - photo by Contributed Photo

Leni Longino never missed work as a customer service representative. That is until searing abdominal pain prompted her to go to the emergency room at Piedmont Newton Hospital one Friday last August.

She had had a few signs something was wrong in the months leading up to the ER visit. For example, her energy was so low that she would sometimes have to use her lunch break for a nap. But hearing the diagnosis at age 46 of colon cancer that had metastasized to her liver still shocked Longino.

“When I was in the emergency room with my friend, who had come to sit with me, I just looked at her and said, ‘Well, that’s a game changer!’” The face of the typical colon cancer patient is changing. According to the American Cancer Society, the rate of people being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer under age 50 went up almost 2.5% per year between 2012 and 2021. Current guidance from the organization is for people at average risk for colon cancer to start regular screenings at age 45. But people with colorectal cancer in their family or people with a personal history of certain bowel-related conditions may want to start screening earlier.

“Screening guidelines from professional medical organizations are not as clear-cut for people with risk factors for colorectal cancer,” said gastroenterologist Michael Cheng, M.D., with Piedmont Physicians Gastroenterology Newton. “They are best interpreted for any individual by their doctor.”

Longino regrets that her first colonoscopy with Dr. Cheng was when she came to the ER. She said she does have a family history of cancer.

“No one wants to have a colonoscopy, but it’s really not that bad,” she said. “It’s worth it in the long run to not be sick.”

Her younger sisters took her advice and got colonoscopies, which confirmed they do not have cancer.

Longino just finished her 11th round of chemotherapy. She is winding down on infusions and will soon only need the chemotherapy given through a take-home pump. She has come to enjoy the team of nurses at Piedmont Newton.

“The infusion nurses are fantastic. That whole group over there is just a joy,” she said. “I’m so happy to not have to do that [sit for infusions], but I’m going to miss them!”

Radiation is up next. Once that is complete, Piedmont Clinic physician Evan Feldman, M.D., will perform surgery at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital to remove the mass in Longino’s colon.

Longino credits her positive attitude for getting to this point. One thing she is positive about: the access she has had to quality cancer care close to home. Piedmont Newton is just a five-minute drive from where she lives in Oxford, Ga.

“I have to go to Atlanta occasionally. I can’t imagine having to do that every time. It would be a nightmare,” she said.

Longino’s treatment progress is evident to her from the positive difference in how she feels after an infusion. There were times early on when she needed a wheelchair to leave Piedmont Newton. “Now I just be-bop out of there like ‘See you on Thursday,’” she said.

Her oncologist, Shanker Polsani, M.D., with Piedmont Physicians Medical Oncology Newton, seems pleased too.

“[Dr. Polsani] doesn’t sugar coat things,” Longino explained. “I can tell that he’s excited by my progress, and that helps me feel optimistic.”

On Saturday, April 26, Piedmont Newton is holding a benefit concert to support oncology services and programs at the hospital for patients like Leni Longino. Everyone is welcome and tickets can be purchased at give.piedmont.org/newtonconcert.