Kathy White and Suzanne Barton were the honored at Pike County’s culminating 2019 Relay for Life event Friday night at the Troy Recreation Center. White was recognized as the Survivor of the Year and Suzanne Baton as the Caregiver of the Year.

White, a three-time cancer survivor, said “to God be the Glory.”

“I had cancer but it did not have me,” White said. “The last time I was diagnosed, it was with stage four and I thought it was all over but God had a lamb in the bush.”

White sought another source of treatment and was told there was no cure but with the help of God, she was could make it.

“So many people were praying for me and I knew that I was going to be a winner, no matter what,” White said. “To be absent from the body is to be with God. So, I would win either way.”

White said God has used her for His glory.

“God uses me to encourage others in their walk,” she said. “None of us know the whole story. We don’t know what the whole story is going to be. God is in charge. He is our Healer and our Keeper. I praise Him for what He has done for me and for what He is doing for others.”
Barton is the caregiver for her mother Judy Catrett and is blessed to have the opportunity.

“I am honored to be chosen as Caregiver of the Year,” Barton said. “I know there are so many caregivers that give whole-heartedly who  deserve the same recognition. Making the choice to move back home to care for my mother was one I would make over and over again.”
Barton, who is one of eight siblings, said, she was also honored to share the night with her mother and the other family members who were there in love and support of their mother and grandmother.

The 2019 Relay for Life culminating evert opened with the Survivors Dinner at the recreation center where White and Barton were recognized. Following the dinner, Meagan Kirkland, American Cancer Society, invited everyone to gather for the Survivors Lap which was held in the center’s gymnasium. The survivors were asked to give their names and share the number of years they have survived cancer. Mary Adams is a 35-year survivor and standing next to her was Ann Marie Hussey, a two-month survivor.

The survivors were honored on their lap with applause and standing ovations.

The caregivers were then invited to join the survivors for a lap. They, too, were applauded.

Kirkland expressed appreciation to all who supported the 2019 Pike County Relay for Life campaign and encouraged continued prayers and support.

“Battles are being won against cancer ever day but the fight is not over yet,” she said.