Yee- haw! Round'em Up- Margot Ferron

It wasn’t just a country western party; it was a free dinner and dance to honor Cancer Survivors and their caregivers. More than 200 cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers and friends donned their bandanas, boots and purple cowboy hats to celebrate at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Mission Viejo's Annual Survivors Dinner. Organized by Patrice Wilson, a cancer survivor and Joelle Fusaro, this year's dinner was the best attended survivor event to date. The Relay for Life/Mission Viejo committee is encouraged by the increased participation, a testament that more cancer survivors are celebrating more birthdays as a result of the advancements in medical research and technology being used to fight cancer. There was never a dull moment. The evening opened with dancing cow, line and square dancing led by the Ramblin’ Rogues callers: John Hill, Dan Clairmont and their posse. With the help of Chick fil a, Farrell’s Ice Cream, Buffalo Wild Wings and Walgreens, the meal will consist of baked chicken, beans, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, fruit salad and ice cream sundaes. Volunteers from Mission Viejo High School included the National Honor Society and the Drama department. They made sure everyone’s glass was full and their plates were piled high. An encouraging message of hope and inspiration was delivered by keynote speaker, Irene Dressler, a Ms. Senior California contestant. She got involved with Relay for Life four years ago when she attended this dinner in 2009. Dresssler said, “I see the world through very different eyes. I am thankful for each day and for the countless blessings in life. I was touched by the support of the American Cancer Society’s Mission Viejo Relay committee in honoring survivors. “ “Simple changes and moves can make big changes and help you obtain your overall health goals,” encouraged Jack Kenefick, Personal Trainer, Balanced Life Fitness. He shared some tips with guests in a fight back message on how to get fit as a fiddle. Later in the evening, two awards were given at the event- Spirit of Relay and My Angel awards. Jeff Hill, a 15-year-cancer survivor received the "Spirit of Relay" Award for his strength, courage and inspiration to his family as well as to Relay for Life of Mission Viejo. “My Angel,” was given to Caregiver, David White. He was nominated by his wife Ilknur, a two-time cancer survivor. White was recognized for his tireless dedication not only as a loving caregiver to his family, but as a role model to his children and to the community. The huge success of the Survivors Dinner is a prelude to the official Relay for Life that will begin on Saturday, June 1 at 9 am at the Saddleback College Track and end on June 2 at 9 am. Don’t miss the fun! There is still time to join a team or form a team for Relay for Life of Mission Viejo. Teams and individuals will walk the track, join the Luminaria Ceremony at dusk and celebrate the American Cancer Society’s 100th birthday at the overnight, family-fun event. We are Relay for Life of Mission Viejo, www.mvrelay.org. We will entertain you all day. Y’all come join us now, ya here.