May 19, 2013
If you've visited the Wiregrass Commons Mall lately, chances are you've probably heard the ringing of bells and the sounds of a friendly greeting.
Randy Newman is a bell ringer during Christmas time, but he's not only battling poverty and homelessness with the Salvation Army, he's also battling cancer.
"They removed everything they found, all my lymph nodes on this side. I ended up losing most of my facial nerve, I lost my eye nerve, It was headed up towards my ear, into my ear."
But Newman says he's not letting that get him down. He's gotten the best of the disease and it's made him a better person.
"I'm out walking, the Lord's provided for me and gotten me started on this, and I love this! I love life now, used to I didn't feel this way about it, but I do now."
Newman also attributes his success, to his wife of eleven years, Peggy.
She says together they are a "giving team" during the holidays.
"He's working for the Salvation Army, which gives back to the community, and I'm in the mall and I'm smiling at the people making them welcome."
And she also encourages the public to give back.
"Always make sure to donate back to the Salvation Army because they help people, and you never know when you may be in a situation and you may need some help too one day."
And Newman says don't forget to enjoy life and be thankful for what you have as well.
"It's just great to be able to live, to be able to enjoy life. And that's what I'm doing, I'm enjoying it, just like this job, I enjoy it."
