Cancer survivors will be honored at Relay for Life dinner on April 21
"This is a night of celebration as we all fight back against the disease."
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Each year thousands of Americans are diagnosed with some form of cancer which, sadly, for some translates into a death sentence.

However, it doesn't have to be that way. Many believe if they keep the faith, they can beat the odds.

Local cancer survivors of all ages will be honored at Relay for Life of Cherokee County's Survivors Dinner on April 21 at Gaffney High School.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's premier fundraiser.

"We always celebrate survivorship and this dinner is a big part of that," Harlan Thomson of Relay for Life, said. "This is a night of celebration as we all fight back against the disease."

Approximately 185 survivors were present at last year's dinner, with many more expected this year.

According to one of the county's Relay for Life chairpersons, Sheila Smoke, it is one of her favorite events during the fundraiser.

"The research funded by the American Cancer Society continues to increase the number of survivors both locally and nationally," Smoke said. "For me personally the survivor's dinner is my biggest highlight each year."

The featured speaker at the dinner will be Union County native and cancer survivor Torance Inman.

The dinner is only one of the items recognizing those victorious in their fight against cancer as they are encouraged to take part in a "Survivor's Lap" during the relay.

Cherokee County has shown a lot of support for Relay for Life, bringing in more than $230,000 last year. The total helped place the county within the top 10 nationally for areas with similar populations.

Organizers have placed a goal of $250,000 for this year's event.

Thomson said things are going relative to expectations, though it will still be hard to tell how the county does until weeks after the Relay.

"Momentum builds upon itself, creating a snowball effect of sorts," Thomson said. "It is awesome the way Cherokee County has caught fire. We hope that streak continues."

Reservations are required for the Survivors Dinner, with each survivor being allowed to bring one guest. For more information about the dinner or to reserve a spot, call Velina Owensby at 838-4827.

The Relay for Life event will take place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. May 9 & 10 at the track at The Timken Company's Gaffney roller bearing plant located on Old Georgia Highway.