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Pike Co. Honors Cancer Survivors

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By Jessica Gertler

Story Created: May 1, 2012 at 9:36 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 2, 2012 at 12:40 AM CDT

From the CBS 8 Troy Newsroom-- CBS 8 News is covering Pike County where hundreds of cancer survivors and their caregivers were celebrated tonight at the Relay for Life Survivors' Dinner.

Organizers say the Survivors' Dinner is a way to honor each guest's courage when they faced cancer, and guests say it's a way to encourage those currently fighting the disease to remain strong.

A room full of warriors: those who've survived cancer, those who are still battling it, and those who've been by their side.

Tuesday night, hundreds filled the Park Memorial Methodist Church for the annual Relay for Life Pike County's Survivors' Dinner.

"There's a lot of different parts to Relay. We celebrate, we remember, and we fight back, but tonight we celebrate, because these people have fought a battle, and they've survived it!" says Rhonda Turberville, President of the Pike County Unit of American Cancer Society.

Bill Jackson, who was introduced to cancer in 1999, says the event was an emotional reminder that he and so many others have stood up to the deadly disease.

"I am very fortunate that I am not handicapped with it, and it's not reoccurring on me. I am just thankful every day of my life," he says.

And take Kathy White, who has won the fight against cervical cancer. She says she came to celebrate life, and share her journey in hopes that it helps others through their difficult days.

"Hang in there. You don't ever give up. It's never over until God says it's over. There's always hope. You've got to always believe," White says.

Co-Honorary Chairman Patti Sadler, who is still fighting the disease, says the evening was what she needed: love and support.

"It's just overwhelming to see so many survivors, and I hope within the next few months that I will be a survivor also," Sadler says.

These cancer survivors and families will also be at Pike County's Relay for Life this Friday night at Troy Parks and Recreation.

Since 1995, Pike County has raised more than $2.6 million for the American Cancer Society.

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