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A day to honor all cancer survivors, their caregivers and families in Rutherford County is planned by the Community Health Council. The evening of celebration is October 11 at McNair Field beginning at 4:30pm and includes a free dinner and games for all attendees.
"We are hoping to reach the 400 or so people who attended the former survivors' dinners in past years and those who enjoyed participating in Relay for Life," said Jill Miracle, the Executive Director for the Community Health Council. "There are over 5,000 people living in our county who have experienced a cancer diagnosis. That speaks well of current treatment and recovery options available to patients. It also speaks about the tenacity of those who are walking that path now, or who have experienced a cancer journey at some point in their lives. We want to offer a fun and inspiring event to honor those who can attend."
The first Cancer Survivor Celebration is being planned by the Cancer Services committee of the health council. The group includes representatives from Blue Ridge Health, the Rutherford County Health Department, Levine Cancer Institute, Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, Rutherford Regional Health System, RHI Legacy Foundation, 21st Century Oncology, senior living agencies, the Forest City Owls, and cancer survivors. The core group meets on a monthly basis and collaborates on bringing cancer screenings, support services, patient financial assistance, and prevention programs to our county.
The free Survivor Celebration will be held on the concourse area of McNair Field in Forest City, with assistance from the Forest City Owls. The Celebration will begin with registration at 4:30 and includes a barbecue buffet dinner, music, bingo and other games suitable for all ages and abilities.
Each Health Council agency is providing volunteers to host activities for the guests. Some of the planned entertainment includes line dancing, temporary tattoos, corn hole and lawn Jenga, a photo booth, and chair massages. A group called ComMotion, or Community In Motion, will entertain and involve the guests in a fun music and dance exhibition. A surprise guest will lead the group in the "Git Up Challenge" - perhaps even one in uniform!
At 6pm a short program will take place, including live music by survivor Tish Zimmerman, followed by an invocation and memorial tribute by Rev. Don Ledbetter. The guest speaker is Mike Lawing, a Rutherford County cancer survivor, and a regionally and nationally acclaimed panelist on cancer care. He has used his platform to educate, advocate, and inspire cancer patients and their caregivers since his own diagnosis, and has been featured in Cancer Care magazine for his extensive service to the cancer community.
Guests may arrive at any time during the 4:30-7:30 event to enjoy dinner and participate in the special events planned for them. Each Rutherford County survivor is invited to attend and may bring up to two guests with them. Assistance in getting from the parking area to the event is provided by the Forest City Owls for those that may need that service. Attendees are invited to wear cowboy (or cowgirl) attire to participate in the country and western fair theme.
There is no charge to attend, but an RSVP is required by October 4 to ensure food is available for all attendees. Call 828-245-4596 to make reservations.
For additional information about the event, please call the Health Council of Rutherford County at 828-202-4630.
