Cancer survivors celebrate at NGTC

Entertainment for the Relay For Life Survivors Celebration was provided by the "Compulsive Lyres" of Young Harris College and MIss Hallye King from the Ray of Hope Relay For Life Team. "Thanks so much to these young people for being a part of our 2007 event," stated Mrs. Head, 2007 Survivors Chair.

The Union County Relay For Life American Cancer Society volunteers hosted the 2007 Cancer Survivors Dinner recently at North Georgia Technical College in Blairsville. 2007 Survivors Activities Chair Stacy Head welcomed over 250 guests to the annual event. Along with other Union County Relay For Life volunteers , Mrs. Head provided an evening of delicious food, delightful entertainment and great fellowship.

"There were many in the crowd who were celebrating 5 year survivorship anniversaries as well as those who have survived that dreaded diagnosis for 20 or more years," stated Relay For Life volunteer Allyson McGraw who emceed the evening's activities. "Seeing so many "fighters" who are surviving and thriving was an inspiration to all our volunteers who have joined the fight against cancer," she added.

UCB's Junior Board supplied volunteers who helped with the Cancer Survivors Banner as well as assisting with meal service and cleanup. Other volunteers were from Cadence Bank, Bank of Blairsville, NGTC, Veteran's Office, Atlanta Oncology Group, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Relay Team, Ray of Hope Relay Team, and Wendy's Relay Team.

The evening began with a line of smiling volunteer faces who helped get everyone registered and seated. Volunteers from the United Community Banks' Junior Board of Directors staffed the Survivor Banner table. Volunteers from the Bank of Blairsville Relay For Life team staffed the Luminaria Table and volunteers from Cadence Bank's Relay For Life Team helped with the beverages and with cleanup later in the evening. "Thanks to all of these volunteers who made the event run smoothly, " stated Mrs. Head, Survivors Activity Chair. "With such dedicated workers, these celebration dinners are definitely a labor of love," she added.

"Reverend Richard Rivera with the First United Methodist Church gave the invocation followed by a special vocal presentation by Hallye King, from the Ray of Hope Relay For Life Team. Music for dining was provided by local dj Jennifer Smith, who also provided the sound system for our use," stated Mrs. Head.

During the dinner, several doorprizes were presented by the Relay For Life Event Committee . There were over 40 items donated by various local businesses, volunteers and craft groups. The highlight of the door prizes was the purple and white (Relay For Life colors) hand crocheted afghan made by Suzanne Cicci of the Country Crafters from Coosa United Methodist Church.

A vocal ensemble from Young Harris College led by Jeff Baummann entertained the group following dinner. The "Compulsive Lyres" featured songs that all ages could enjoy. "Thanks so much for these young men from the college for taking time to be with us for our survivor celebration," stated Mrs. Head.

After several announcement regarding the June 22 and June 23 Relay For Life Signature event for Union County, the program was adjourned with a benediction and prayer by retired pastor from Blairsville First Baptist Church, Rev. Danny Paris, also a cancer survivor. His remarks touched many in the audience as they too have heard those dreaded words...you have cancer.

The theme for the event focused on "Look How Far We've Come...Through The Ages". Just a few facts were highlighted that reinforce the progress being made in the fight against cancer. Just over 10 years ago the 5 year survival rates for all types of cancers was at 56%. Today the 5 year survival rates for all cancers is over 65% with some survival rates for specific cancers as high as 98%.

"This achievement is due to the work of so many people including volunteers and donors. Everyone has a role to play in improving the health of our country. We must committ to following the American Cancer Society's guidelines for health and cancer screenings; we must work toward more smoke-free workplaces, better insurance coverage for cancer screenings and access to care; and we must committ to more support for cancer research. The hard work of millions of individuals over the last decades has paid off. We are now reaping the benfits of our emphasis on and investment in cancer prevention, early detection and more effective treatments. These remarks were shared at the 2007 Cancer Survivors Celebration by volunteer Allyson McGraw, quoting froma report by Harmon J. Eyre,MD, the American Cancer Society's Chief Medical Officer.

All cancer survivors in our area are reminded to contact Mrs. Stacy Head to be sure you are registered to be a part of the 2007 Relay For Life Survivors Lap on June 22, Friday, at 7 p.m. in the UCHS Football Stadium here in Blairsville. She may be reached at 706-745- 1045 or e-mailed to stacyhead@ alltel.net. Relay For Life Teams in our county will also be checking with cancer survivors to be sure that they know about the event as well. "There are now 23 teams set up for the 2007 event here in Union County." reported Judy Rich and Janet Hartman, Team Recruiters.