The American Cancer Society in central Arkansas has selected Jamie Byrne as a Faces of Cancer honoree for its annual gala to be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Pavillion in the Park in Little Rock.

Byrne, interim dean for UALR’s College of Professional Studies, joins radio
personality Tommy Smith, First Lady Ginger Beebe, and several others who will also be honored during The Summer in the City Gala.

Trio’s restaurant will cater the New Orleans-themed event, which will include silent and live auctions.

The American Cancer Society holds the annual event to honor individuals who are celebrating survival, remembering loved ones lost to cancer, and fighting back against the disease. Each honoree embraces the American Cancer Society’s mission and acts as an advocate for cancer awareness, prevention, and research.

Byrne has been an American Cancer Society volunteer on the local, state, division, national, and international levels for about 15 years. Her other honors include the Pennsylvania State Volunteer of the Year award, as well as the Lancaster County Volunteer of the Year Award.

She is currently serving on the Central Arkansas American Cancer Society community leadership council and is a frequent speaker and trainer at American Cancer Society events. Byrne was the lead national Relay For Life volunteer for the ACS for three years and has performed international Relay For Life training for seven different countries.

Byrne’s late husband, Chuck, was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer when he was only 46 years old and given just 18 months to live. After surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, he lived three and half more years.

During the experience, Byrne said she learned more about the American Cancer Society’s work to find cures. She said even though organizations like the ACS makes a real difference in the fight against cancer, “we need to keep fighting.”

Tickets for the June 22 event are $100 per person or $1,500 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets or get more information, call 501.603.5215.