The Survivor Dinner for Relay for Life celebrated its 20th anniversary, welcoming the Bulloch County community to partake in this joyous event. Participants had the pleasure of joining the warm and welcoming ‘Relay Family,’ comprising survivors and caregivers.
In a beautifully adorned spring-themed venue, the guests were served dinner by the ladies from St. Matthew Catholic Church. The meal, sponsored and catered by The Statesboro Service League and Uncle Shug’s, featured a delightful menu including fried chicken, green beans, mac and cheese, rolls, and an array of desserts provided by the Ladies of St. Matthew’s. The ambiance was further enhanced by dinner music performed by Felecia Prince on the piano.
The event commenced with Survivor and Relay for Life Champion, Lori Wiggins, extending a heartfelt welcome to the attendees. Following her, Lauren McGrath, Senior Development Manager for the American Cancer Society, reflected on the profound impact of cancer, stating, “Cancer leaves a lasting mark through personal battles, directly or indirectly.”
Wiggins expressed her motivation for participating in Relay for Life, emphasizing the importance of raising funds in memory of those who lost their battle with cancer and in honor of those still fighting. She highlighted the fear instilled by the word ‘CANCER’ and her dedication to being part of the team working towards finding a cure, referring to the participants as ‘Relay Sisters.’
Guest speaker and Survivor, Gail Dismuke, shared her personal journey with cancer, narrating her experience as a caregiver to her husband battling pancreatic cancer and later being diagnosed with breast cancer herself. She stressed the significance of regular screenings and self-examinations for early detection.
The evening was filled with gratitude and camaraderie, with Gail Dismuke expressing her thankfulness for each day as a survivor and the unwavering support from her family, friends, faith, and the Relay Family.
Testimonies from survivors like Ashlee Mitchell and Maurice R. Jackson underscored the challenging yet unifying experience of battling cancer and the vital role of community support in the healing process.
As the event concluded, attendees were reminded to mark their calendars for the upcoming Relay for Life event on April 19, 2024, in Downtown Statesboro. The call to action for volunteers and supporters reiterated the collective effort needed to combat cancer effectively.
For more information on how to get involved in Relay for Life of Bulloch/GSU, interested individuals were encouraged to reach out to Lauren McGrath. The event aims to celebrate survivors, honor those who have passed, and make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.