Photo: Information is provided as cancer survivors register for Sunday’s Cancer Survivors Day celebration at the Baptist Cancer Center in Southaven. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Alan Plair came up from Senatobia Sunday to celebrate. Plair is a Stage 4 Colon Cancer survivor and he was among those who came to the lawn in front of the Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto in Southaven on Sunday afternoon for the center’s first Cancer Survivors Day celebration.
Alan Plair
Plair’s battle with cancer started three years ago and he said he has gone through some major surgeries as a result.
Plair said his battle continues but he’s a lot better now, thanks to his treatment at the Baptist Cancer Center.
“I’m not completely cured just yet, but I’m a lot better than I used to be, and my medications and chemo stuff is decreasing, so that’s a good sign,” Plair said.
Tabitha Smith, Director of Oncology at the Southaven center, said the day saw food and snack trucks on hand, vendors, and tables with information on cancer screenings and preventable measures. Highlighting the event was a release of butterflies, representing hope and new beginnings.
Smith said similar events have been done in the Mid-South area before, but the center felt it was important that this take place in DeSoto County.
“We’ve done this event at Shelby Farms with the metro cancer centers, because we have several cancer centers in our area and throughout the tri state area,” Smith said. “We have never done one here at DeSoto, so it was very important for us to do one close to home, where we treat our patients.”
Plair said celebrating cancer survivors is a big thing for him.
“Anything that I can do to show my gratitude, I’m willing to do now,” Plair said. “Silver and gold and money I don’t have but if I can do something like this to show people that this is the place to be, if you can be here, don’t give up hope, and keep the fight.”
Smith said over 100 people registered for the day online and others came with registering. She said being there with a cancer patient going through a bad day is one of the major satisfactions of what she does.
“It’s very rewarding to be there and be able to help a patient that’s gone through some difficult times,” she explained. “We’re there to inspire them and to keep and help them think positive thoughts throughout their cancer journey.”
Cancer Survivors Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday of June to celebrate resilience, hope, and the triumph of life over cancer. It is more than just an event—it’s a powerful reminder that life after a cancer diagnosis is possible, meaningful, and worth celebrating.
The day is observed in at least 16 countries across five continents, including the United States, Canada, India, Kenya, Thailand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, making it a truly global movement for awareness and support.
Survivors face unique challenges, from the long-term effects of treatment to the emotional and financial toll of their journey. This day shines a light on these experiences while reinforcing the importance of research, medical advancements, and continued support.
Plair said the support of his family was very important in his particular recovery, calling the cancer center part of his “family,” along with the support of a friend.
“If you are planning on fighting or surviving anything dealing with cancer or problems in life, you need good family support,” Plair said. “If you don’t have good family support, or maybe a good friend, like I have, you’re a goner. It’s just like going back to normal with no bullets in the rifle, right,” mentioning a friend named Ronnie Smith, in particular.
