The color purple draped the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center, as the official color of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life greeted cancer survivors. 

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Dallas County 2015 Survivor’s Banquet honored local residents who battled various forms of cancer. The theme: “A Celebration of Life” perfectly fit the individuals who had a lot to celebrate after beating the disease.

Community manager of the American Cancer Society Bridget Mills said the event honors people who heard the words “you have cancer” who have become inspirations for those currently fighting the disease.

“We celebrate their lives as an indication we have hope that we are making progress against the disease,” Mills said. “Just because they heard the words ‘you have cancer’ they are stars tonight.”

Although the event celebrated the survivors and the lives ahead of them, the color purple still seemed to garner a lot of attention. Mills said the color was picked because of its significance to the American Cancer Society, and the fact it represents all types of cancer.

“We don’t want it to be pink,” Mills said. “We don’t want it to be blue. When our survivors walk in, they know that we’re here cheering them on, and celebrating their lives no matter what the type of cancer.”

The brightly colored purple and white balloons, the evening meal and an appearance from comedian Sylvester Kimbrough, whose stage name is Neckbone, were all examples of the life that entered the room full of survivors and guests.  A four year survivor of a form of brain cancer, Rachel Tabb said she enjoys seeing other survivors and how blessed they are to be at the event.

“It’s a blessing to see someone you saw here last year, back here again today,” Tabb said.