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Even though a Woodstock High School senior's cancer is in remission, she's not done with educating others about her battle.

Tiana Welch is on a mission to make others aware of her battle and is hoping a fundraiser will achieve her goal.

The 18-year-old daughter of Drew and Tannish Welch of Towne Lake, Tiana is hosting a fundraiser during her school's home basketball game against Etowah High School.

"Teal Night" will be conducted on Jan. 27 and is designed to bring awareness to ovarian germ cell cancer.

The girls varsity basketball team will wear teal-colored warm-up shirts, and donations will be collected for collected for Camp Sunshine, Cure Childhood Cancer and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Tiana said T-shirts will be sold for $10 at the fundraiser, and pens and bracelets will be distributed.

The Woodstock senior said she wants to raise $1,000 for the fundraiser, which is part of her senior project.

Senior projects at the county's high schools, which count for 20 percent of a student's grade in the class, begin with students selecting a career or a hobby they are interested in.

The students spend the first semester writing a research paper on a facet of that career and select a project facilitator to guide them. During the second semester, students build a portfolio and make a presentation before a board of community members.

During half-time at the game, Tiana will speak to the audience, thanking them for donations and will share her story of her battle with cancer.

Her goal for the fundraiser, Tiana said, is to remind people of the power of faith.

"If you have faith and courage, you can overcome anything," she said.

In October 2004, Tiana was diagnosed with ovarian germ cell cancer, which is a disease in which malignant cells form in the egg cells of the ovary.

In November 2004, Tiana underwent chemotherapy for four months and had her left ovary removed.

Tiana's cancer has been in remission since last month. Tiana still has tumors in the abdomen area and has CT scans every six months to watch for any changes or growths.

Tannish. Welch said if doctors notice any changes or growths, Tiana will have to undergo more chemotherapy.

Tannish Welch said her daughter definitely has matured faster than the normal teenager as a result of her diagnosis and subsequent treatments.

Tiana also became less focused on more material things in life, she said.

"After her sickness ... and when she became part of the Aflac Cancer (Center) family, she realized how blessed she was to be here," she said.

Tiana has continued to blossom while in high school despite the diagnosis. She's a member of the school's varsity girls basketball team and is an A-B student.

She plans to enroll in Atlanta's historically black, all-female Spelman College in the fall. Tiana said she would like to major in computer science and minor in chemistry, with hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist.

Tiana also wants to keep spreading her positive message to other cancer sufferers.

She is a registered member of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and participates in the group's annual fashion show and health fairs.

She also takes part in activities at Decatur's Camp Sunshine, an organization that hosts year-round activities for children suffering from cancer.

Tiana's positive outlook and dedication to live her life has inspired others, including her younger sister.

Tariah Welch, a 15-year-old freshman, said she and her sister were always close, but have become closer since Tiana's cancer battle.

"I can tell her a lot of stuff," she said.

Tariah said she admired how her sister was determined to continue playing basketball and how she "never let her cancer hold her back."

One of Tiana's closest friends and teammates also was amazed at her spirit.

Kayla Aiken, the 17-year-old daughter of Brian Aiken of Woodstock, has known Tiana for six years. She was by her friend's side when she was diagnosed with cancer.

The Woodstock High senior said Tiana remained positive and encouraging through her darkest days.

"She's very trustworthy," Kayla said. "You could go to her for about anything."

Kayla said she hopes her fellow teammates and other students learn from Tiana's positive message and outlook on life.

She also said Tiana's efforts to make more people aware of childhood cancer are commendable.

"She wants to help other people survive like she did," she said.

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