PHILADELPHIA—Moses Wyche of Capron traveled to Philadelphia today to be celebrated for being five years cancer free.

Wyche was honored Friday at Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s annual “Celebrate Life,” an event that commemorates the courage and tenacity of five-year cancer survivors and the examples of perseverance and hope that these survivors show to those battling the disease.

Wyche who flew up to Philadelphia on Thursday, said he is “living the moment in celebration of life.”

Diagnosed in 2008 with colon cancer, the Southampton County native said, “I feel fine now.”

Wyche explained he was fortunate that after surgery to remove a portion of his colon, he did not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

His journey with cancer began while at the cancer treatment center with his since-deceased wife, Ella. She was undergoing treatment for final stage colon cancer. He was scheduled to have a colonoscopy here in Virginia, but had to call and change the appointment. His wife’s doctor overhead and offered to perform the procedure there at the center.

The results came back positive for stage 1 colon cancer.

“I was approximately eight hours/480 miles from home and my wife was undergoing treatment for final stage colon cancer,” recalled Wyche. “We had no family with us and now both of us are having to deal with my cancer and hers. “This probably was one of the lowest points in my life,” he continued. “With encouragement from Ella and Dr. Willis, I chose to seek treatment at CTCA.”

He later returned to the center and had a section of his colon removed. He was there nine days and received “the best personal care that any patient could possibly wish for.”

Since that time, Wyche lost his wife, but he has continued with his active community involved life. About 18 months ago, he remarried Cynthia Pegram, who is a registered nurse.

Wyche, a former Southampton County Supervisor board member, is a native of the county and a 1961 graduate of Southampton Training School He was employed with J.T. Braham & Co. for 47 years, and for over 50 years has served as attendant for Engram’s Funeral Home.

He is also active in the Masons, Order of Eastern Star, Chair of the Southampton Democratic Committee, Capron Ruritan Club, Chair of the Southampton County Social Services Board, Capron Leadership Council, president of Southampton County chapter of NAACP, member and deacon of Mars Hill Baptist Church and member and former president, treasurer, assistant chief and chief of Capron Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department.

Wyche said his life is full and he is always smiling. He urges everyone over the age of 40 to get a colonoscopy.

“I definitely recommend it,” he stressed.

At the Friday CTCA event, alongside other cancer survivors, current patients and their loved ones, Wyche participated in several events, including a tree-planting ceremony, whereby one tree was planted for each five-year survivor, and a dove release, where patients released several doves into the morning sky as a symbol of renewal. Celebrants also passed on commemorative lapel pins reading “HOPE” to patients currently undergoing treatment at CTCA as a reminder to stay upbeat and hopeful through their battle.