JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- Wade resident Charles Persons has been named a 2013 Hero of Hope by the American Cancer Society's Mid-South Division.
The Heroes of Hope program, in its 5th year, honors those who have triumphed over cancer themselves or who have cared for loved ones with cancer, made significant volunteer contributions to the society and made an impact in the lives of others.
Persons, 65, will serve as a spokesman for the American Cancer Society in the local community.
According to the organization, Heroes of Hope provide a visible symbol of personal victory over the disease, and they encourage support and participation in the society's programs.
Persons is an 8-year cancer survivor and one of 17 cancer survivors and caregivers from the mid-south to be recognized.
Other honorees come from Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Tennessee.
"I was not even aware of this program until they called me up and told me I was nominated," Persons said.
He agreed to complete the program "because it's an opportunity to share hope with those who have just been diagnosed and to inspire people the help us find a cure," he said.
"Regardless of what other people say, there is hope," Persons said. "There is a cure, and we're seeking it."
After being selected, Person attended a 2-day training session in Birmingham, Ala.
"From that point on, we were told that we may be called to speak about cancer anywhere in the southern states," he said.
Persons was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2004, prostate cancer in 2010 and experienced a lymphoma recurrence, but he is now cancer free.
He is an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society and helps secure donations for the Relay For Life events in Hurley.
"Relay For Life has shown me the far reaching effects cancer can have on a community and how much support is there for people suffering from the effects of cancer," he said.
For more information about the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.