Survivors, their families and friends gathered to celebrate hope and God’s blessings at the sixth annual Sherri S. James Survivors Banquet Monday at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

Festive colors of gold, purple and green, along with masks and beads of Mardi Gras illuminated the room as guests sung songs, danced and fellowshipped with one another. Named in honor of longtime Dallas County Relay for Life chairperson, Sherri S. James who lost her battle to cancer, and sister to current chair and co-chair Tanya Miles and Veronica Brown, the gala celebrated continued life and freedom without cancer.

U.S. 67th District Rep Darrio Melton (D-Selma) said when it comes to cancer “fighting” is not a bad thing.

“Cancer is the most hideous diseases we fight on a daily basis,” Melton said. “We all need to lend a hand to bring an end to this disease because we’re all effected by it.”

Shirley Turner, a four-year breast cancer survivor, said she’s blessed to be among the living.

“It’s a blessing to look around and see what others have gone through besides myself,” Turner said smiling. “I’m enjoying myself, just seeing other survivors and seeing the smiles.”

Veronica Brown, co-chair for Relay for Life, said the event was a huge success and she’s pleased.

“It’s the biggest turnout we’ve had and every year it just continues to grow,” Brown said. “James struggled to keep the Relay going by herself and Mardi Gras on the beach was her favorite thing. I know she’s smiling down from glory.”

Kay Little and Linda MacKay, who have a combined 27 years as survivors, met for the first time at the banquet. Both women agreed fellowship with other survivors is important.

“We need to know that people love us and coming to this lets us know we are not alone,” Little said.

Viola I. Dudley, nine year survivor, said though so many have lost the fight, it’s a blessing so many are still here.

“We’re praying someday there will be a cure,” Dudley said.

Mardi Gras King Tracey Palmer, a senior at Dallas County High and Teresa Casey, pre-kindergarten teacher at Edgewood Elementary School, led more than 40 survivors, adorned with their purple survivors’ medallion, in swaying and sashaying in a stroll to end the program.

The Relay for Life is scheduled for April 29 at 6 p.m. inside Memorial Stadium. Individuals not a part of a team but who wish to participate can pay a $5 fee at a designated vendor that includes free chips, hotdog and drink. Teams will provide food for their teammates at the event.