Survivor Social held in Leachville

The Buffalo Island Relay for Life held the annual Survivor's Social at the Leachville Community Center on Sunday afternoon. Cancer survivors and their families were special guests at the event.

Survivor Chairman, Tina Matheny, welcomed everyone. She lit two candles, one in honor of the cancer survivors and one in memory of those who have lost their battle to cancer.

Relay Chairman Brenda Matheny recognized her committee members and thanked everyone for attending.

"Fighting cancer is what we are all about," Brenda said. "We are here for you."

The 2012 Relay for Life will be held on June 22, at the Leachville City Park. The activities will begin at 6 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to come out and support the Relay for Life.

Each year an honorary survivor is chosen from each town across Buffalo Island. They represent their town and lead the victory walk, along with other cancer survivors, at the annual Relay for Life. This year's honorary survivors are Harry Parks, Manila; Aletta Rose, Leachville; Norman Williams Black Oak; Kristy Fields, Monette; Leisa Couch, Caraway; and Bob George, Lake City.

All cancer survivors attending the social were re cognized. Survivors attending ranged from six months to 22 years.

Community Representative Jackie Wallis welcomed everyone. He commended the committee members and teams for the work they do.

"Last year Buffalo Island raised $22,500 through the Relay for Life," Wallis said. "It is not about the money, but what the money can do. We do it so there will be more cancer survivors. The Relay for Life is the largest single fund raiser in the world."

Again Wallis thanked everyone for their participation.

Cancer survivor Shirley Roe (22 years) thanked all of the volunteers who give their time for the Relay for Life.

"I believe someday we will see the end of cancer," Roe said.

Refreshments were served by Tina Matheny, Becca Bowen, Paula Bowen, Kelly Fry, Tammy Spikes, and Rebecca Clowers-co-chairman for the Relay for Life. Two cakes decorated with the Relay for Life 2012 theme "Walking the Midway Fighting for a Cure, One Step at a Time," were served with ice cream, cookies and soft drinks.