This week’s Sherri S. James Annual Survivor’s Banquet showed me the amazing strength of Dallas County ‘s cancer survivors.

When I was assigned to cover the annual banquet, I expected to attend to just witness cancer survivors uplifting one another and individuals still suffering from the illness. I never expected to be the one getting encouraged.

Hearing all of those people announce how long they have been cancer free with pride made me smile. It made me realize just how trivial my hardships are and how possible it is to overcome them.

Attendees had battled various brutal cancers, such as breast, lung cancer and even brain cancer. Some had even battle multiple cancers throughout their lifetime.

I cannot even imagine the pain those people went through. The fear and disbelief that overwhelmed them the moment they heard their diagnosis.

Despite the fact they went through what I’m sure was a tough fight with a deadly disease, they were all excited to come together Tuesday night and celebrate their accomplishments and life that was almost taken away from them.

My favorite portion of the night was seeing those amazing, inspirational survivors march around the inside of the Selma Convention center cheering and waving their Mardi Gras flags in celebration of their win against a fatal disease.

I could feel the lively spirit and joy that came with surviving cancer.

Although the banquet is designed to uplift cancer survivors, I suggest that anyone looking for some motivation in their own life to also attend the banquet.

Not only does it give you an opportunity to give to an organization striving to eliminate an ugly illness that has left so many emotional and physically damaged, but it also serves as an uplifting experience for everyone who attends.

If you missed your chance to attend Tuesday’s banquet or Friday’s Relay For Life, I suggest you support the A Walk for Ribbons walk-a-thon scheduled for April 26. Held at the Orrville Community Center starting at 9 a.m., the event raises funds for the American Cancer Society, an organization that has dedicated more than 100 years to battling cancer and supporting all affected by it.

If you aren’t able to attend that event, I suggest you visit the www.cancer.org and give to the American Cancer Society.

No matter how small, your donations can make a huge difference to a community damaged by cancer.

Advances in detection and treatment have led to 13 million plus survivors, according to the American Cancer Society.

Everyone should do what he or she can to help to heal those with cancer, and give them a reason to celebrate life.