By Kaitlin Fleming
Staff Correspondent
First Friday on June 5 in downtown Gadsden was full of many fun events. One event was produced by the Gadsden Regional Cancer Center. This year GRMC decided to celebrate cancer survivors at First Friday. The event included lemonade and cookies, inspiration boards and a photo booth. Cancer Center Director Ramie Anderson said that over 650 invites were sent out. About 75 survivors stopped by the booth.
“It’s rewarding to work with the patients and this event is to show our support,” said Anderson.
She added that the first Friday in June is National Cancer Survivor Day.
Many cancer survivors took part in the inspiration board and the photo booth. The inspiration board was for cancer survivors to place quotes or Bible verses that helped them get through their fight.The inspiration board will be displayed at GRMC’s Cancer Center, where others will be encouraged to participate.
Bill Smith is two years cancer-free. He battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia cancer.
“The Lord got me through it,” said Smith.
Julia Heathcock, who has been cancer-free for over a year, said she went through 35 treatments. She was battling breast cancer. She also said Christ and her family helped get her through.
“I just want to say thank you to Gadsden Regional for your continued support,” said Heathcock, “It means so much to me and my family.”
The event was to raise morale for the cancer survivors and the cancer fighters. All the survivors and GRMC staff members enjoyed drinking lemonade and taking silly photos in the photo booth.
“The photo booth was a huge hit and it was fun to watch everyone get dressed up and pose for pictures,” said Anderson
The most important aspect of the booth was to offer support to cancer Survivors.
“We just want them to know they are not alone,” said Anderson, “This event brings survivors together and it gives them an opportunity to be with people that went through the same struggles.”