U.S Nails in Hartselle conducted a fundraiser for “Team Hardin” and Hartselle Relay for Life recently. Co-owner Phillip Ho is shown giving Nikki Peebles a manicure while his wife and co-owner, sanding at left, and Paula and Joe Hardin, cancer victims, look on. | Clif Knight

Joe and Paula Hardin of Falkville have assumed an active role in fundraising for the American Cancer Society after both were diagnosed with cancer one week apart in November 2013.

They are raising money for Hartselle Relay for life under the name “Team Hardin.”

A fundraiser was conducted recently at U.S. Nails in Hartselle thanks to the generosity of co-owners and operators Phillip and Lisa Ho and their employees. “Team Hardin” received $2.00 for each manicure and $3.00 for each pedicure done on that day.

The Hardin family, including daughters Hannah Whitt and Haley Roberts and Joe’s mother, Edna Hardin, maintained a presence at the business and took the opportunity to express thanks to patrons for their support of the Relay for “Team Hardin” plans to continue its efforts to support the fight against cancer. It will have a booth at the Hartselle Relay for Life, which will be held at Sparkman Civic Center May 9-10. Home-cooked food will be offered for sale and donations will be accepted.

Joe was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus Nov. 19, 2013, and Paula was diagnosed with breast cancer exactly seven days later.

“We held each other cried and prayed,” Paula said. “If it had to happen to either one of us, it’s better that it happened to us both at the same time. At least, we can take comfort in knowing what the other is having to go through.

“We’ve put our lives in God’s hands,” Paula added. “We try to enjoy every day. That’s how we live.”

Paula underwent a lumpectomy following her diagnosis and is close to completing a series of chemotherapy. Joe is receiving chemotherapy and faces radiation treatments.