Josh Richardson | Daily Times

Christ Sanctuary in Sciotoville is supporting Angie Vallance with a billboard titled “The Power of Prayer,” across the street from the church. Vallance, a member of the church, is battling cervical cancer.

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Wayne Allen

PDT Staff Writer

A Sciotoville church is praying a sign from above helps one woman battle cancer.

Christ Sanctuary has rented a billboard across from the church at 418 Harding Ave. for Angie Vallance, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer four years ago. The cancer was in remission but has since returned and she is currently undergoing treatment.

Vallance’s brother, Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan E. Etterling, was killed in 2005 in Iraq.

“The response of the community and area churches has been overwhelming. We thought all of the support was amazing with Jonathan and it was. I think it’s perhaps bigger in this case, because they know there is a chance to turn it around,” said William Etterling, father of Angie Vallance.

Pastor Steven Phillips said he wanted to use the billboard to show support from the congregation and the community to Vallance.

“She is a part of our congregation and part of God’s family. This is our way to show her we are standing beside her,” Phillips said.

Phillips said he has heard all positive comments from the community about the billboard.

“This is the first time we have done something like this and we hope people see this as an expression of faith,” Phillips said. He said the congregation has paid for the billboard’s message for three months.

Vallance is traveling every three weeks to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, Ill., for treatment.

She said doctors are working to put the cancer back into remission.

She said the amount of support has been overwhelming.

“All of this has been crazy. It’s been kind of overwhelming the amount of support we’ve had,” Vallance said.

Vallance and her husband, Tom, have three children.

Donations for the Vallance family are being accepted to help with expenses. They can be dropped off at Fifth Third Bank in Wheelersburg.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 208, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.