This year’s new Relay on the Road format culminated with cancer survivors gathering on Courthouse Square Friday night and sharing their journeys.
Tommy and Sue McNabb wore their survivor shirts as they spoke about Tommy’s recent battle with a type of ca ncer that many don’t survive: pancreatic.
“I was diagnosed in August 2016,” he said. “I went through what they call the ‘Whipple surgery’ where they removed the cancer and, of course, went though six months of chemo after that. After staying with it and keeping up on visits to the doctors, to this day I am cancer free.”
Sue McNabb said a higher power helped her husband survive his battle.
“We give God the praise and glory for him being cancer free,” she said as she choked up.
Although those stories of survival were as heartfelt as always, this year’s Marion County Relay for Life saw a new approach as businesses decorated in memory of cancer patients and a committee visited them Friday.
“Our committee had a ball today. If you saw that white limo riding around town with the purple bow, we were all up in there and we had a great time,” member Leigh Berry said. “If you were a team, you know how we came in; yelling, screaming, clapping – loud and proud. We were there to show you support.”
Local American Cancer Society Representative Carla Kyzar said team results and totals would be available later in the week when judging and tallying is complete.
“It was the very first Relay on the Road in Mississippi,” Kyzar said. “We hope that next year’s event is going to be bigger and better. So if you liked Relay on the Road, please tell our committee.”
Relay events downtown included music by No Strings Attached and featured several speakers. The Rev. Brian Stewart of Church on Main gave the invocation and Tanya Holland, a committee member, sang the National Anthem. A Survivors’ Lap was held and the Rev. Reed Houston offered a prayer before luminaries and sky lanterns were lit. As the sun set the sky lanterns were launched and soared above Columbia. A 5K glow run also took place with Todd Pounds finishing first in the event.
Cancer survivor Joy Moree also shared her story with attendees during the ceremonies. She put her feelings into a poem and shared it with the crowd.
“Did you see the pen? It was pink and white and it was handed to cancer patients so they could write. The day I had my biopsy done was the day the pen caught my eye. Liking the colors and knowing the reason, I asked for it from the guy. I sure would like it, I said with a please. Well, it’s the last one, so it’s mine to keep. We went through the protocol, passing money and so forth. When I started to leave he called my name as my hand hit the door. ‘Joy, I want to give you this pen today. It will be my good deed as I sit and work away.’ I smiled with delight and I grabbed it up.
“I was on my way, only to get the call that very day. You’ve got to meet with an oncologist is what my doctor said and a thousand things went through my head. Give me a minute; let me write down what you have to say.
“I picked up my pink pen that I had been given that day. This pen will represent all of our strengths because at the time, I had none. I wanted to give up and I had every intention of not taking any treatments. Had it not been for friends and family, I wouldn’t have done it. I encourage each and every one of you and I thank you.”
Pictured Above: Sue and Tommy McNabb praised God Saturday during the Marion County Relay for Life at the courthouse for Tommy’s successful cancer battle. | Photo by Mark Rogers
