Photo submitted to Times Observer Survivors and supporters walk in the 2019 Warren County Relay for Life at the Warren County School District central office.

After rescheduling due to COVID-19, Relay for Life is looking for new life.

The event will have a new look in addition to being held in a different season.

“Relay this year has been reinvented,” Warren County Relay for Life Co-Lead Cathy Burnett said. “In previous years we held a 24-hour event, the 24 hours representing 24 hours in a cancer patients life.”

The 24-hour event was originally scheduled for June.

“The pandemic hit in March, which forced us to reschedule,” Burnett said. “We looked at July as a window, but it was still not possible. We were finally able to schedule the event for Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Betts Park.”

The pandemic has had a major impact on the American Cancer Society.

“Because Relay events worldwide were canceled this year due to COVID, the American Cancer Society is experiencing a 50 percent decrease in charitable donations,” Burnett said. “That shortfall. amounts to $200 million, which is affecting life-saving research and patient support. It is our hope that, in a small way, we can help turn those numbers around.”

The annual Relay will be combined with the annual Bark for Life.

“In the fall, we traditionally hold an event for our canine companions called Bark for Life,” Burnett said. “This year, it will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during Relay.”

Those interested in signing up may register one dog for $10 and additional dogs for $5 each. “The dogs enjoy games and treats, and there will be a demo by Warren County’s K-9 Officers – Nic and Dina,” she said.

There will be food available. “This year, we have invited local food trucks to join the event,” Burnett said. “Participating trucks are Tabouli’s Street Eats, 3Cs Catering, Taylor’s Treats, and Sweet Sarah’s Kettlecorn. There will be something for everyone.”

There will be raffle tickets and various items for sale by individual Relay teams. “We will also be hosting children’s carnival games, the kids can play and win prizes,” she said.

The annual Survivors Lunch is another casualty of the pandemic.

“Because cancer survivors undergoing treatment have compromised immune systems, in light of the pandemic we will forego the annual Survivors Lunch and instead hold a drive-through survivors parade,” Burnett said. “Each survivor will receive a goody bag with treats, Relay gear, and other surprises.”

Survivor registration forms are available at the Warren Cancer Center or by emailing Lynne Goodwill at 7.18nels@gmail.com

‘”We are being ‘Covid Conscious’ at the event,” Burnett said. “The public is welcome as always – masking and social distancing will be required.”

“We will have hand sanitizer available and Relay volunteers will be sanitizing commonly-used hard surfaces throughout the day,” she said.

“We will still hold our Luminaria ceremony at sunset, with lighted luminaries lighting the walking track,” Burnett said. “Luminaria bags can be purchased the day of the event or by contacting Susan Pincus – sep49@atlanticbb.net.”