NEWPORT-Heavy rains didn't dampen the spirits of those attending the kick-off for Cocke County Relay for Life 2010's campaign recently at First United Methodist Church.

Approximately 50 people, including 9 cancer survivors, gathered for a giant birthday party and officially launch this year's efforts to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Also there were members of various Relay for Life teams and other volunteers.

The youngest survivor present, Dakota Moore, shared his story.

At this time last year, Dakota, a Grassy Fork Elementary School student, had not been diagnosed with cancer. An honor student, he was a member of the school's basketball team.

However, his world turned upside down during the Christmas season when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Months of chemo and 28 radiation treatments followed, ending this past August.

Shortly after that, Dakota, along with his father Steve and brother Nick, flew to Wisconsin for a special deer and bear hunt sponsored by Catch a Dream Foundation.

Now, less than a year after his initial diagnosis, back in school, and with his hair quickly returning, Dakota is again a member of his school's basketball team.

"It's only fitting that we adopt a birthday theme," said 2010 Chair Jennifer Smith-Eisenhower. "For every cancer survivor, every day is a new 'birth' day. Actual birthdays take on a whole new significance."

Eisenhower introduced members of this year's Relay for Life committee and explained their duties.

"Last year, even in the middle of terrible economic times, Cocke County's citizens rose to the challenge and raised over $100,000 for ACS," said Eisenhower. "In doing so, they topped the efforts of all other counties in our district."

"We already have teams working hard for this year's effort," she continued. "I know that Union Baptist Church, Dutch Bottoms Baptist Church, Cosby High School and Cocke County High Schools have held fundraisers, and that many other teams are putting the finishing touches on their fundraising plans."