Karley Welborn presents her experience with being diagnosed and beating cancer at such a young age.

The Franklin County Relay For Life kicks off this Friday, but the annual Survivors Dinner held last week helps those local citizens who have been touched by cancer come together and support each other.

The Survivor Dinner has been held each year the week before the Relay For Life and it gives Franklin County residents a chance to come together and support one another during the battle with cancer.

Speakers for the event included Ricky Suddith, a 20-year survivor of cancer and Karley Welborn, the youngest survivor in attendance at the dinner.

Welborne, 14, was diagnosed with lymphoma on Sept. 25 received treatment at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis including numerous blood transfusions during her battle with cancer.

Suddith, who has survived non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for over 20 years, talked about his battle with cancer.

“I’m a runner and always felt healthy,” Suddith said. “But while running in the Boston Marathon back in 1994, I felt different. I felt overwhelmed and I knew something was wrong.”

Suddith was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks following the marathon. Following his diagnosis, he went immediately went to the Cancer Center in Houston where he was given a 50 percent chance of surviving five years.

“That was 20 years ago and we’ve attended the Survivor’s Dinner since they began having them in conjunction with the Franklin County Relay For Life.

“These events matter. They are really important,” Suddith said. “Relay raises money that helps fund research for a cure and also to make things easier for those going through treatment.”

Welborn presented a slide show documenting her battle with the disease.

“Cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence,” her presentation concluded. “Events like this are important and because they not only help raise money and awareness, but it helps families come together and show support for each other,” Welborn said.

Anna Duncan, the American Cancer Society specialist for Franklin County, said she thinks the annual dinner is all about hope.

Phil Campbell Elementary Show Choir students sing songs at the annual Survivor’s Dinner last week.

“It is really special for those who have recently been diagnosed,” Duncan said. “It shows them that people have been diagnosed before and they are still here and that they are thriving. It shows them that they can make it too—it gives them hope.

“The dinner is a great way for everyone who is touched by cancer—those suffering and those as caregivers—to come together and be supportive. Seeing the appreciation of those in attendance is a great feeling.”

The Relay for Life events begin this Friday, May 1.