By Derrick Thomas
The Selma Times-Journal

Local cancer survivors gathered at Wallace Community College this past Friday to celebrate the annual Cancer Survivors Banquet, hosted by the American Cancer Society and Dallas County’s Relay for Life.

Survivors of many forms of cancer, including breast, brain, thyroid, lung and prostate cancer attended the event. The event was meant to bring recognition to those who survived those deadly afflictions.

The banquet also served as an opportunity for local cancer survivors to meet one another and share their stories. By doing this, the community is further brought together and emotional support is established between another.

Affecting millions of people worldwide, anyone, regardless of age, gender or race can develop cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 1,735,350 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States.

Dallas County’s Relay for Life Event Lead, Alvin Craig, lead the event for the past 2 years, and expressed his happiness for the banquet and all those who participated.

Prizes were distributed to the survivors and guests. Caregivers, who had essential roles in the lives of the cancer survivors, also received recognition awards.

“I think it was a success, spelled with all caps,” Craig said. “Everyone had a great time. Everyone was pleased and had a good time. They said the food was great. We’ll like to thank all of our sponsors that provided food, door prizes and everything. We plan to have one next year and every year.”

Dallas County’s Relay for Life will also be holding an event on June 1, at 6 p.m. at the Lion’s Park Fairground, with this year’s theme being “Cancer-Just Beat It.”