Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown faded to pink early Sunday afternoon, October 1, with the intention of raising awareness of breast cancer, as well as remembering those who have lost their lives to the disease.
The 7th annual event was hosted on the lawn of the Butler County Courthouse. Organizers Becky Hankins and Audrey Pendley chose to recognize all forms of cancer since Relay for Life events are not currently active in the community.

Hankins explained the awareness ribbons that represent a particular type of cancer - they include pink for breast cancer, gray for brain cancer, teal and white for cervical cancer, gold for childhood cancer, dark blue for colon cancer and periwinkle for esophageal cancer. Others include orange for kidney cancer and leukemia, emerald green for liver cancer, teal for ovarian cancer, white for lung cancer and purple for pancreatic cancer.

Pastor Ruth Warren  of the Morgantown Church of the Nazarene gave the opening prayer.

Brenn Embry performed "I Will Stand by You."

 The designated speaker this year was Gloria Clark. She gave an inspirational and heartfelt story regarding her experience with breast cancer and her blessing in being a survivor.
"I want to help somebody along the way, we have all been effected by cancer. In 2014 I had an abnormal mammogram but didn't tell anybody and didn't go back to the doctor.  In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I went public because I needed as many prayer warriors as I could get. I gave it to God.  I had surgery, then treatments.  I love hugs and I am here to let people know I love them.It is not about me it is about the Lord and what he has done for me."

 There were many other survivors present at the event, and they were also recognized. Audrey Pendley presented them with flowers.
Surivors included: Susan Johnson, Cindy Cardwell, Linda Brown, Donna Embry, Gloria Clark, Dennis Kinkade, Beverly Searles, Kim Flener, Marjorie Flener, Gaynell Burden, Tina Porter, Kyllie Doughty, Becky Hankins, Kim Moore and Carlon Pendley.
The survivors were given an opportunity to make statements. Statements were made, mostly pertaining to the importance of early detection and the regular scheduling of mammograms.
Beverly Hayes, Jessica Nielsen and Christine Bratcher made pink jewelry for all the survivors.  Jessica made the bead earrings, necklaces and bracelets, Beverly crocheted necklaces, bracelets and rose pins and  Christine crocheted necklaces and coordinated everything.

Donna Embry  sang "I'm Forever Free" an song she wrote in honor of her sister Kay, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2004.  In 2016 Donna was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She thanks God for bringing her through her journey.

The names of those who have lost their lives to cancer were read and a representative for each name was called to the front where they were given flowers.  A moment of silence was held in their honor. In memory was Glynn Tyree, Boyce Flener, Robert Cunningham, Raven Durbin, Janice Lundy, Sue Waddle, Geraldine Johnson, Shirley Embry, Garry Pharris, Hilrie Pharris, A. C. Phelps, Ernest Joiner, Kay Scarbro, and Shane Pharris.

Lydia Jenkins and Brenn Embry performed "Amazing Grace."

Cancer survivor Kim Moore gave the closing prayer.

Balloons were gathered and released followed by the serving of cupcakes and fruit punch.