People constantly are involved in the fight against cancer: patients who show the strength of character to keep fighting, caregivers such as family members, friends and neighbors, and health care professionals.

Little is known about many of them, said Dave Callan, director of Cancer Family Care, 2421 Auburn Ave., Mount Auburn.

Mr. Callan said the agency will launch the first Unsung Hero Awards in honor of Joslin Haggart Yeiser, who died of cancer. Her widowed husband, Eric B. Yeiser of Indian Hill, is president of the Hayfield Foundation, which is sponsoring the award.

"We want to highlight some of the positives about the fight against cancer," Mr. Callan said. "This is about the heroic side of cancer. That strength of character that causes individuals to make lemonade when life serves them lemons."

He said awards will be given in three categories: patient, child or adult; caregiver; and health professional such as social worker, physician, nurse, radiation or chemotherapy technician, hospice worker, home health aide or pharmacist.

"Inspiring stories unfold every day in the world of cancer. Sometimes on the part of patients, family or medical team. These stories will be brought to light both to honor the individuals involved, and to provide inspiration to others," Mr. Callan said.

He said to honor someone, a letter (no more than 600 words) should describe the nominee, highlighting special traits or actions that make the nominee an unsung hero.

The nominee must live or work in Greater Cincinnati. The nomination should include the nominee's full name, address and phone number.

The letter, with the sponsor's name, daytime phone number and address, can be mailed to: Unsung Hero, Cancer Family Care, 2421 Auburn Ave., Cincinnati 45219, or call 731-3346 for information.

Nominations must be in by March 14.

A student group called Empowerment Services Inc. will re-enact the story of Harriet Tubman, the 19th century heroine who is credited with making 19 trips to the South and bringing more than 300 slaves north to freedom.

The performance will begin at 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at Peace Baptist Church, 652 Rockdale Ave., Avondale.

The celebration is sponsored by the Phenomenon Club, an affiliate of the Southwest District of the Ohio Association of Colored Women's Clubs, said Sheila Jackson Reed, coordinator.

"The student group is made up of several students from suburban schools," Mrs. Reed said. "They want to spread black history throughout churches, civic clubs and organization in order to pass it on to a younger generation."

A long-time Clifton resident who wishes to remain anonymous has provided $100,000 for an expansion of the Clifton branch library.

The expansion will enlarge the children's area, provide a reading area, update audiovisual materials and computers.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News" column runs Sunday-Friday. E-mail ahoward@enquirer.com