Survivor’s Dinner honors those who won their battle with cancer

ALBANY – Demetria Redding, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, offers what may be the best reason for those who survived their battle with cancer to attend the Survivor’s Dinner at First Baptist Church of Albany on March 24.

“Something magical always happens at this event,” Redding said.

Redding joins fellow ACS co-chair and event organizer Cathy Shoemaker, as well as officials with First Baptist of Albany and other volunteers in helping to present the annual dinner, held in honor of cancer survivors.

Shoemaker, a long-time nurse, said she’s seen the impact cancer has on families throughout her career.

“Cancer changes lives,” Shoemaker said. “We hold this dinner to celebrate survivors; it’s about families, friends and the impact God can have on their lives. Everyone blesses each other, supports each other.

“What (survivors) go through is not fun; it can be ugly. We think the people who are survivors deserve to be celebrated.”

The Survivor’s Dinner, which along with the local Cancer Society chapter’s annual Relay for Life is one of two high-profile events touching on the impact of cancer in southwest Georgia, started the year before COVID chased the world inside and restarted in 2022. There is no cost for a special meal prepared by First Baptist Kitchen Manager Danielle Green and cook Norma Jean Harris.

“We start planning the meal about two months out,” Green said. “We do the cooking the day before.

“We are grateful to participate in this celebration. I have not been personally affected by cancer, but I have family and friends who have been, so I know what (survivors) have been through. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to give back.”

First Baptist has been on board from the beginning of the dinner, and Student Pastor Spencer Kinkade said the church’s family has numerous close encounters with the disease.

“The church always wants to give back, and one of the greatest gifts cancer survivors and the community at large can get is hope,” Kinkade said. “I don’t know of anyone who has not been affected by cancer; it’s something all of us can relate to; we’re all affected.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but neither does hope.”

Cancer survivors and a guest may register to take part in the dinner by calling (229) 343-6130 by March 10. There is no cost for the 6 p.m. event, which has a country and western theme. In addition to corn hole, horseshoes, a recipe contest and line dancing, oncologist Jose Tongol will perform original songs and other favorites.

More than 220 attended last year’s Survivor Dinner, and 177 already have RSVPed for this year’s, Shoemaker said.

The Dougherty-Lee County Relay for Life is scheduled April 17 at Albany State University’s West Campus.