Valarie Gosseck fought off cancer 20 years ago.

Earlier this year, the human-resource manager at Wal-Mart learned the cancer had returned. Since the diagnosis Gosseck has endured surgery, radiation and now chemotherapy. The treatment has taken its toll, but she is still optimistic she will beat the disease again.

Recently, several emergency workers learned about Gosseck’s fight. Her husband, Mike Gosseck, is a Hinesville police officer. So they contacted organizers of the John E. Smiley Jr. "Jay Bird" Memorial Golf Tournament about making it a benefit. The tournament board and Smiley family agreed.

Saturday, the annual tournament will be held at Cherokee Rose Country Club in Hinesville. Registration for the four-person scramble begins at 8 a.m. The entry fee is $50 per player. A meal will be served with door prizes following play.

Mike Gosseck said he and his wife of 37 years do not know how to express their gratitude for the support.

"I don’t know what to say about all of the support that has been shown to Val," he said. "I just want to thank everybody."

He also said he is proud of how hard his wife is fighting.

"Val is always so upbeat," he said. "The chemo usually gets her down a little after going through it, but she is always so positive and nothing keeps her down."

The golf tournament honors Smiley, a Liberty County sheriff’s deputy who died of a heart attack in 2009.

Tournament sponsorships are available. For information on playing or helping, call Kelly Jackson (912-294-1317), Terri Floyd (912-876-5503), Tracey Howard (912-977-1860), Catherine Smiley (912-977-1916) or Steve Welborn (912-271-0509).