Yesterday, the Beaufort County Relay for Life chapter held its annual Survivor Sundae Social, an event meant to bring together area cancer survivors to fellowship, play games and share survival stories, as well as enjoy an ice cream sundae, hence the name.

But one of the most important reasons for hosting the event is honoring and celebrating those who have survived one of the leading sicknesses in existence. Another important reason is the chapter wants to register as many survivors as possible for the annual event that raises money and awareness for cancer research — Relay for Life.

Last year, the local chapter was given the Power of Hope award for the South Atlantic Division, covering North Carolina and South Carolina, by the American Cancer Society for having the most number of cancer survivors registered per capita. The chapter raised $126,000 for cancer research and registered 291 survivors for last year’s event and hopes to beat that record this year.

This event is arguably one of the most important initiatives that take place in Beaufort County. Many individuals and their families are affected by cancer diagnoses. Relay for Life raises money to aid cancer research, which equates to cutting-edge treatments and other benefits for those affected by cancer. The survivors are why those that host the event, do so, according to event lead Dawn Johnston and others in the chapter.

It is vital for the initiative for everyone to pull his or her part. That could mean volunteering a few hours of one’s time to walk in the event for a team or volunteering to help out with setting up or breaking down equipment, tents or other work at the event. Also, cancer survivors are compelled to get involved and register. A survivor could help uplift a person who currently battles cancer through simply telling their story or giving pointers on ways to better endure what he or she may be going through. The ways one could get involved or simply help others affected are endless.

On May 1-2, Beaufort County will come together for this year’s event and there is surely something that each and every person in the county could do to pull his or her part in the fight against cancer. To volunteer, register or donate, contact event lead Dawn Johnston at 252-943-5061 or survivor chair Sonya Fortescue at 252-945-1501.