Relay for Life Organizers: Survivors' Dinner 'jam packed'

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It was standing room only at Manning United Methodist Church on Monday night as the Clarendon County Relay for Life Steering Committee and Survivors’ Committee members worked together to register survivors, while honoring them and their caregivers, at the annual Survivors’ Reception.

Guest speaker Billy Bowers – a five-year cancer survivor – recognized his caregivers during his brief remarks.

“They helped me when I couldn’t help myself,” he said. “My friends, family, neighbors, everyone that helped me, I don’t know where I’d be today without them.”

Breast cancer survivor Pat Fenters agreed. Fenters had surgery nearly two decades ago, and was in remission until just recently. She underwent surgery about a month-and-a-half ago.

“Where would we be without our caregivers?” she said. “They do it all for us. They’re the reason that many of us are here.”

The reception was the last time before the actual Relay for Life event in which organizers could register survivors. Survivors who registered online before April 1 were guaranteed a T-shirt. Survivors will also be able to register at Relay, which will be held 6 p.m. May 9 to 12 a.m. May 10 at Manning High School’s Ramsey Stadium.

Fenters agreed with other committee members – like Sandra Brewer, Judy Gamble Hooks and American Cancer Society representative Debbie Alexander – that Monday night’s crowd was one of the largest she’d seen.

“I’ve never seen so many people,” Fenters said. Organizers estimated between 200 and 220 survivors and their caregivers made it to the event.

“It’s just wonderful to see all these people here,” Fenters said. “It’s amazing.”

For more information on Relay for Life, or to donate, visit bit.ly/1rKnSoj.