The coronavirus forced organizers of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to cancel this year’s event, but a drive-thru luminaria tribute will celebrate cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease.
Loved ones will drive to Pike Place from 10 p.m. to midnight Saturday for the event, which raises money for cancer research. Participants will receive a luminaria and proceed in their cars down Pike Street from Walnut to Washington streets.
During the event, names of survivors and those who’ve died will also be read on WCVL radio (92.1 FM and 1550 AM). The names must be submitted by noon on Friday to be included on the broadcast.
Before the virus halted large public gatherings, organizers had planned a Christmas-themed event to recognize cancer patients and their caregivers. More than 5,000 Relay events are held across the world featuring laps honoring survivors, a candlelight luminaria ceremony and other ceremonies.
The virus has also hurt this year’s fundraising efforts. Longtime cancer society volunteer Becky Hankins, who is co-chairing the event with her sister Cindy Biddle, said teams are well below their goals.
More than $5,200 has been raised so far, with a goal of $10,000, according to the event’s website.
“And that’s nothing compared to what we usually do. We’ve been working really, really hard,” Hankins said.
Montgomery County’s teams are also raising money in a virtual silent auction through July 13. For more information, visit the Relay for Life of Montgomery County IN page on Facebook.
Last year, more than 1.7 million new cases of cancer were expected to be diagnosed in the U.S., according to the cancer society. About 607,000 Americans were projected to die of cancer last year, the organization reported. It’s the nation’s second most common cause of death.
The cancer society has invested $4.9 billion in cancer research.
For more information about Saturday’s ceremony, visit www.relayforlife.org/montgomerycountyin or call Hankins at 765-376-5152.
