The 2015 Relay for Life Survivors Banquet held Monday night at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center was an event to remember. Cancer survivors and their families from all walks of life came together to celebrate being cancer free.

Cancer can affect anyone regardless of age, race or gender. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 26,150 new cancer cases in Alabama this year alone.

That’s why it’s so important that Dallas County has an organization like Relay for Life here to support those dealing with cancer, and celebrate those that beat the horrible disease.

At Monday night’s banquet, survivors were treated like stars, having the opportunity to walk down the purple carpet, accept an award and even have their photo taken on a special Relay for Life backdrop. Oscars were given out to those who had the longest and shortest time of being cancer free and the audience erupted with applause after each name was called. The night was full of laughter as comedian Sylvester Kimbrough, Neckbone, got on stage and told his story.

Kairy and Sarah Crum performed two songs during the night and a special memorial was held as Martha Green and Joyce Harris led a lighting of the candle ceremony to honor and recognize the memory of those that had passed on. It was truly a special night for all those in attendance and one we’re sure they won’t soon forget.

Not only was it a great night to celebrate the lives that were there, but it was also an opportunity for different people in the community to come together with their commonality and provide support and encouragement for each other.

We are proud to have the Dallas County Relay for Life program, and we encourage everyone to do what they can to make this year even bigger than the last, whether it be through donating money, participating in the relay event or more.

We applaud the efforts from this year’s Dallas County Relay for Life participants and we look forward to the relay event on April 17 at Lion’s Fair Park. Events like the one Monday night go to show just how big of an impact the community and volunteers are making when they come together for a cause and give back to those that need it the most.