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By Leon G. Russ
HOMETOWN NEWS
The Gibbs Cancer Center held its 15th Annual Survivors Day celebration at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, June 7.
More than 1,200 people attended the Western - styled event whose theme this year was “We are strong to GIDDY UP!”
Attendees were treated to live music from Ed Burrell and the Country Classics while dining on chicken stew, hush puppies and peach cobbler, all served up by the staff of the Spartanburg Regional.
Tina Wilson and Rita Lawter were just two of the employees who enjoyed serving the cancer survivors and their family members. The two work in the radiation department and normally see cancer patients at a time when they are tense and nervous. This event allowed them to see them happy and enjoying life.
“It’s great,” said Lawter, “it makes us feel good to see them in this setting.”
Added Wilson, “To see them enjoying themselves and being with their families is wonderful.”
Bob Dempsey of Pacolet was one of the cancer survivors enjoying the festivities. After a turn on the dance floor, he spoke of the day’s events.
Dempsey survived a battle with prostrate cancer seven years ago and he said his wife overcame cancer in 2000. He said he comes because “it’s for survivors.” He noted he didn’t just come to the event, he helped decorate and bring in some food.
Speaking of the Gibbs Cancer Center staff that have done so much for him and his wife, he said, “If they need help we’re here.”
Laurie Ann Morrow, events coordinator, said the event “shows strength in numbers (of survivors) and raises awareness of cancer and its survivability throughout the community.”
Walnut Grove’s Pam Gregory was found dancing with her seven - month - old daughter, Samantha. They were out with her family to support her father, John Wayne Pettit in his fight against cancer. “We’re here to be supportive of cancer survivors like like my dad, plus Sam makes everyone smile,” she said.
Tammy Davis of Woodruff also was out with her family to support her father in his battle against cancer. Davis said, “We are here to support him, to give him hope and to let him know he’s not by himself in this.”
Spartanburg County Councilman Dale Culbreth was found at the event. He explained that his wife having worked for 17 years with Dr. James Bearden was one reason he was there. The other reason was of course to support cancer survivors and “give credit to those working to battle cancer.”
Culbreth noted “there’s not a family in Spartanburg County that hasn’t been touched by cancer.” He also looked at the bright side saying, “The nice thing is there’s a greater success rate now” than when his wife started working at Spartanburg Regional.
David Church, Spartanburg Regional’s Vice President of Oncology and Home Care Services, explained Cancer Survivor Day “is a celebration of life and an opportunity to get both the patients and the doctors together in a non-clinical environment. It’s uplifting for both our staff and patients.”
As the music played and the guests danced, dined on chicken stew and simply enjoyed the setting, it was clear for this day at least, cancer had been beaten.
lruss@hometown-news.com
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