Cancer survivors banquet May 18
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on May 7, 2006 2:06 AM
Wayne County's cancer survivors will gather May 18 to celebrate their victory over the disease.
The 13th annual Cancer Survivors' Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. at First Pentecostal Holiness Church. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
The banquet is free and for any cancer survivor and one guest each, said Donna Thompson, co-chairman.
Those attending may pre-register by calling Southeastern Medical Oncology Center at 580-0000, but pre-registration is not required.
James and Andrea Ravella will be the speakers. Mrs. Ravella is a cancer survivor and her husband will provide a caregiver's viewpoint.
Chicks for Jesus, a women's choir from Saulston Methodist Church, will provide musical entertainment that evening. Tim Dumas of Raleigh, magician and comedian, will also provide entertainment at the banquet.
Jimmie Ford will once again be the master of ceremonies.
Local business have donated door prizes. Sunburst will provide the meal, which will be served by staff from Southeastern Medical Oncology Center and Wayne Radiation Oncology. Homemade cake will also be served.
To conclude the banquet, Susan Scott will sing "One Moment In Time."
Those attending may park in front or in back of the church.
Mrs. Thompson said the purpose of the banquet is to honor cancer survivors. "It's very upbeat," she said. "People are living longer with cancer, and we are having more and more survivors. That's a good thing.
"They've done a wonderful job; they've survived cancer. And they're there to be honored."
Helen Harwood, co-chairman of the banquet, estimated that there were almost 700 cancer survivors and guests at last year's banquet. She said they are preparing for 700 again this year.
"Even though I'm a 25-year cancer survivor, when I see that many survivors together, it's the most uplifting thing to me," Mrs. Harwood said.