Buffalo Island Survivor Social recognizes cancer victims

The annual Buffalo Island Relay for Life Survivor Social was held Sunday afternoon at the Leachville Methodist Church fellowship hall.

Survivor Social chairman Tina Matheny welcomed guests and family members.

"This is the 14th annual Buffalo Island Relay Survivor Social," Matheny said. "It is my 13th year to be involved. We have this each year to recognize our survivors."

The social is held prior to the Relay for Life event.

"In 2015 there will be 1.6 million new cases of cancer; 15,000 in Arkansas; 1,620 people a day lose their battle to cancer. It is a global disease. With everyone here, we can make a difference. We come together as a community to improve those numbers and save lives," Matheny said.

She went on to say 14.5 million Americans with a history of cancer were alive on Jan 1, 2014.

"We come together to honor and encourage the survivors, remember those who have lost their battle to cancer and to fight cancer," Matheny said.

She and Brenda Matheny, BI Relay chairman, lit candles in memory and in honor. This year's Buffalo Island Relay for Life is dedicated to a committee member who passed away this year, Sherry Hetler.

All of the cancer survivors were recognized at the social. Door prizes were given and refreshments served.

Each year honorary cancer survivors are chosen to represent the communities across Buffalo Island. This years honorary survivors are Jamie Colter Engel, Corning/Manila; Terry Rose, Leachville; Alice McFarlin, Monette; Wilburn Kirby, Black Oak; Brenda Booth, Manila; Lela Ashley, Lake City; Sandy Adcock, Caraway.

Tina Matheny invited everyone the Relay for Life on Friday, June 12, at the Leachville City Park.

"If you have never attended one, I encourage you to do so," she said. "It starts with the victory lap by cancer survivors and at dark the luminary ceremony is held."

The theme for this year's event is Dr. Seuss: "Cancer -- Not here, not there, not anywhere," the goal of the Relay for Life teams.