Relay for Life of Franklin County hosts 2016 Survivor Dinner
Rita Jeffreys (left) stops for a photo with Relay for Life coordinator Anna Duncan (right). Jeffreys was the featured speaker for this year’s Survivor Dinner.
by Ashley Cummins
For the FCT
April 26 the Franklin County Relay for Life hosted its annual Survivor Dinner at the AW Todd Centre in downtown Russellville.
Each year the banks of Russellville work the Survivor Dinner and provide the meal. Valley State Bank hosted this year’s dinner. The bank team worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful meal to all those present. Valley State Bank was presented an award for their work, and other community banks were honored for their service throughout the year.
Survivor Awards were given throughout the ceremony for the oldest/ youngest survivor, most newly-diagnosed and longest survivor. Several door prizes donated by local businesses were awarded as well. The evening was a celebration of life and a cause for joy.
Local artist Will Stults provided musical entertainment, and the events were emceed by community ambassador Larry Dover. The featured speaker for this year’s event was four-time cancer survivor Rita Jeffreys. After her original diagnoses of breast cancer in 1990, her cancer has went in to remission and returned three times. She is currently living with Stage 4 Carcinoma.
However, she doesn’t let her diagnosis get her down. She is scheduled to run a 5K marathon this weekend. She spent her time at the podium not only telling her story but also thanking all the caretakers (specifically her husband and her daughter) and spreading her message.
“I give all of the glory to God – my savior. Material things mean nothing to me,” she said. “I open my eyes in the morning and thank him for my blessings. This experience has changed me. It has given me a better perspective on life. The grass is greener and I take time to appreciate the little things.
“I want you all to remember: You are warriors, survivors! Never give up. Keep fighting and always keep God No. 1. He is the one that will see you through it,” said Jeffreys.
The Franklin County Relay for Life will be hosted in downtown Russellville May 6 at 6 p.m.
