Brian Hagberg
WARREN, Pa. – Even in the midst of a global pandemic, the march toward a cure for cancer presses on.
(Photo courtesy Wendy Carter. Relay for Life will be holding its first organizational meeting for the 2021 event Nov. 12.)
That march was slowed a bit this year due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, but Warren County Relay for Life marketing coordinator Wendy Carter is hoping to make up for it in 2021.
“This year with the pandemic, it has been our most challenging year for all Relayers to collect funding,” Carter said. “As a result, the American Cancer Society is around $200 million behind on funds world-wide.”
Relay’s first organizational meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the North Warren Fire Hall. To help offset the losses from 2020, Carter is looking to increase the number of teams for the 2021 Relay.
“We are trying to encourage the organization of new teams for Warren County,” Carter said. “We need to have as many as possible.”
There is no fee to join, and teams may have any number of team members they wish. Teams will need to submit fundraising plans to Carter.
“Any team involved can hold their own fundraisers in compliance with some general rules established by the American Cancer Society,” Carter said.
It’s important, Carter said, not to lose sight of Relay’s ultimate goal.
“Unfortunately cancer does not just go away,” Carter said. “I lost my brother-in-law one day after his 49th birthday from a brain tumor. He left behind four kids all asking why this had to happen.
“We need to be involved to help those who cannot help themselves. We have to keep fighting for those afflicted, the studies needed to find cures, the families of those suffering, and to continue to educate the public on warnings to watch for,” she said. “The Relay for Life is a big part of the funding for all of this.”
