Survivor Dinner features two speakers

April 24, Relay for Life of Franklin County held its annual Survivor Dinner at the A.W. Todd Centre.

American Cancer Society community development manager Anna Duncan, who coordinates Franklin County’s Relay for Life, extended a thank you to CB&S Bank for sponsoring the event. CB&S Bank representatives decorated, served guests and cleaned up afterward.

Two survivors spoke at this year’s dinner: Taylor Whitlock and Lori Alford.

Whitlock is a senior at the University of North Alabama. She is a childhood cancer survivor. She is working on her Capstone Project for UNA and used this platform to discuss her project on the effects on brothers and sisters of children who have cancer. Whitlock wrote the book “Sylvia’s Sick Sister” to illustrate this subject.

Alford, featured survivor speaker, is a breast cancer survivor. She is married to Tim Alford and has three daughters. She shared the history of cancer in her family: Her father had multiple cancer diagnoses; her mother battled pancreatic cancer; and her daughter had juvenile melanoma.

The RHS Choir, directed by Emily Rush, performed at the dinner.

Relay for Life will be May 4 from 6-10 p.m. at the Russellville High School Football Stadium. This year’s theme is the Survivor and Caregiver Experience.

Massage therapist Shawn Partain will be onsite to help those suffering from aches and pains. Russellville City School’s cosmetology department will provide a “glam” experience, complete with nail and makeup care. Each survivor will receive a swag bag, first come first serve, and there will be a special recognition during the survivor and caregiver lap.

Red Bay High School’s FFA String Band will perform under the direction of Jared Massey. The band will take the stage immediately after the survivor and caregiver recognition at 7 p.m.