Illinois Cancer Survivors Honored at Free April Brunch

Cancer survivors across Hamilton, Wayne, and White Counties will gather for a morning of celebration and community when Relay For Life hosts its annual Survivor Brunch on April 18th.

Christian Chapel Church in McLeansboro will open its doors at 10 a.m. for the free event. The gathering honors both survivors at any stage of their journey and the caregivers who stand beside them.

"We welcome survivors and caregivers from all three counties for this celebration in their honor," said Janice Crow, Relay For Life Event Chair. "Whether recently diagnosed or a survivor for many years, we extend an invitation to attend this brunch in your honor."

Humble Beginnings of Christian Chapel is providing the complimentary meal. Organizers ask guests to RSVP by April 8th to help with planning.

The event features guest speaker Sandy Burke, a Relay volunteer and caregiver who brings personal experience to her role. Burke also serves as co-chair of the Survivor Committee, working year-round to support those affected by cancer.

Each survivor can bring one guest to share in the celebration. Attendees will also receive their 2026 Relay Survivor shirt, a visible symbol of their strength and perseverance.

The Ripple Effect

This brunch represents just one piece of a larger community commitment to fighting cancer. The main 2026 Relay For Life event follows on June 13th at the Carlton Center in McLeansboro, running from 4 to 8 p.m.

These gatherings create spaces where people facing similar challenges can connect, share stories, and find support. For many survivors, events like this brunch offer something medicine alone cannot provide: the reminder that they're not alone in their fight.

The invitation extends across three counties because cancer doesn't respect boundaries. By bringing together survivors from Hamilton, Wayne, and White Counties, organizers are building a support network that reaches beyond individual towns.

Small communities often rally around their own in remarkable ways, and this celebration proves that point beautifully.