Over 300 attendees gathered to celebrate and honor cancer survivors at The Cures the Colors Survivor Banquet on Saturday morning at the Maxwell Center.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Matthew Sochat, who set the tone for a celebratory day.

Attendees were treated to a delicious brunch, thoughtfully blessed by Pastor Bill Rose, creating an atmosphere of gratitude and community.

One of the event’s highlights was the heartfelt speech by Dr. Samer Kasbari. He shared how the resilience and courage of cancer survivors fuel the determination of medical professionals to continue their fight against cancer and to pursue new clinical trials.

Dr. Kasbari’s words resonated deeply with all present, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between patients and doctors in the battle against cancer.

Pastor Jamal Hyman, the keynote speaker, delivered an inspiring address on the theme of “Power Perfected in Weakness.” He emphasized the importance of honesty about personal struggles and the vital role of a robust support system. Pastor Hyman’s message was a poignant reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and community.

As a token of appreciation, many attendees took home door prizes, adding a touch of joy and surprise to the event. The banquet was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Southeastern Medical Oncology Center, whose support underscores the importance of community partnerships in providing essential services to those battling cancer.

Southeastern Cancer Care was founded in 2011 by the doctors at Southeastern Medical Oncology Center. The doctors saw firsthand the need to support cancer patients financially as they battled their cancer diagnosis so that patients would not have to choose between treatment and basic living essentials.

Southeastern Cancer Care is a 501 C3 organization dedicated to providing gas cards and grocery cards, as well as help with utility bills and oncology prescriptions. All of the funds raised go directly to cancer patients and their families.