Meigs County Cancer Initiative holds survivor dinner

Meigs County Cancer Initiative holds survivor dinner

POMEROY, Ohio – The Meigs County Cancer Initiative, Inc. (MCCI) sponsored the annual Meigs County Cancer Survivor Dinner on November 1, 2019 in the Meigs High School cafeteria.  There were a total of 81 in attendance of which 45 were cancer survivors.  The dinner was largely funded thanks to a donation MCCI received from Lee Morris, who is a cancer survivor and organizer of the Ann Morris Cancer Awareness Poker Run (which is held in Sept. in memory of his mother who lost her battle to cancer). Other dinner supporters include: Meigs Local School District, Foreman & Abbott, Meigs Co. Health Dept., Fruth’s Pharmacy, Weaving Stitches Gift Shop, Baum Lumber, Swisher & Lohse Pharmacy, Diana McCune, Marker Porter GM SuperCenter, Dallas Jarrell and the Christian Motorcyclist’s Assn Chapter #956, anonymous donors and memorial contributions.

The theme was No One Fights Alone and the décor was patriotic. MCCI Chair Norma Torres welcomed attendees. Meigs County cancer survivor, military veteran and Pastor of the Pomeroy Church of Christ Scott Warner offered prayer and the pledge of allegiance  was led by Meigs County cancer survivor and military veteran Del Pullins.

The dinner was catered by Barbara Arnold with decorated cakes made by Kim Argabright.

Warner performed the following songs: In God We Still Trust, Even If and God Bless the USA.  Warner, who shared his military experience as well as his cancer journey, expressed the importance of his faith in God.

Pullins was the guest speaker. He also shared his military experience as well as his two experiences with cancer with the audience. Pullins encouraged attendees to get their annual age-appropriate cancer screenings and to not ignore symptoms.

Several survivors relayed their testimonies that resulted from their cancer journeys. 

Lee Morris reported on the 7^th annual Ann Morris Cancer Awareness Poker Run, which resulted in a $5,700 donation to MCCI to support its Transportation Assistance Program and other cancer-related events.  Morris is already planning next year’s poker run and is selling raffle tickets for an electric guitar signed by Jorma Kaukonen, who is the owner of Meigs County’s Fur Peace Ranch.  Morris was presented with hand-crafted motorcycle-themed artwork made by MCCI Member Carolyn Grueser in appreciation of his efforts.

The evening concluded with prizes being awarded to winners of patriotic BINGO.

For more information about MCCI and its Transportation Assistance Program, please contact Courtney Midkiff at 7409926626 or [email protected].  MCCI meets at noon the first Monday of Feb., April, June, August, October in the conference room of the Meigs County Health Dept. MCCI will hold its Christmas Party on Dec. 2^nd at noon at the Rio Bravo Mexican Restaurant in Mason, WV.  New members are welcome.