Relay for Life supporter and Nissan of Picayune employee Tana Cochran was awarded American Cancer Society’s Volunteer of the Year in Pearl River County for 2014 at the group’s meeting on Tuesday.

Cochran was recognized for her volunteer work with charity organizations such as Toys for Tots and Relay for Life.

Cochran said she has earned accolades from playing sports and performing in plays throughout her life, but this honor holds a special place in her heart.

“This means more to me than anything else,” said Cochran, adding that she was surprised to learn she had been selected for the honor and became very emotional when she found out.

Relay for Life Specialist Carla Kyzar said Cochran is a deserving recipient of the organization’s annual award.

“I’ve only known Tana for a short time,” said Kyzar, “But she is one of the most passionate and caring volunteers I have ever met.”

Cochran’s passion is rooted in her experience with the disease. She was an avid supporter of Relay for Life even before her 7-year-old granddaughter, Ava, was diagnosed with cancer. When she received that news, Cochran said it strengthened her cause.

Thankfully, Cochran said Ava recently received an encouraging diagnosis from St. Jude’s Hospital.

“For now, Ava is cancer free and heading to Disney World soon,” said Cochran, “God is good!”

Pearl River County’s 2015 Relay for Life event will take place at Jack Read Park in Picayune on May 9, 2015. The event will last from 4 to 10 p.m., and it will be the 20th anniversary of the fundraiser’s arrival in the county.

Cochran is steadily working on fundraisers. She has scheduled “Dancing with the Stars – Picayune Style” featuring “Dan Dan the Nissan Man” as her celebrity talent. The event will take place on Mar. 21, 2015.

When describing how much the award meant to her, Cochran said she wanted to recognize the support of her employers at Nissan and Mossy of Picayune. She said the dealerships back her monetarily and give her the freedom to do things for Toys for Tots and Relay for Life. As an example, she recalled a story about one of her coworkers, who received a professional award and donated $1,000 of the money he received to her cause.

To donate to Relay for Life of Pearl River county, visit the group’s website at http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=64467&pg=entry or go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PICAYUNERELAYFORLIFE/info for more information.