After two years being held virtually, an in-person Relay For Life event is planned in Sarnia on Saturday, June 11.
Volunteer Communications Lead Melissa Schilz hopes the sense of belonging, camaraderie and hope that the event has generated for over 20 years is reignited.
"We're very excited and just so thrilled to have everyone back on site," said Schilz. "Obviously, we're going to be mindful and do things safely as well."
Schilz said the event, which is open to all ages, is being held at a new location this year.
"We're really excited to be hosting it at a really awesome space at Valley Axe, Sarnia. They're generously providing that location for us to use this year and we're really looking forward to welcoming everyone there."
Opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. and are immediately followed by the survivor victory lap.
"People can actually come onto the site by 4 p.m. to begin setting up if they have tents and things like that, and then to sign up you can actually sign up right there on site. You can show up on event day and we'll get you signed up."
A luminary ceremony to honour and remember loved ones is also planned.
For online registration or to dedicate a luminary, click here.
Funds raised help support research, the wheels of hope driving service that helps patients get to their appointments, and the purchase of wigs and breast prosthesis for cancer patients.
"This year's fundraising goal is $105,000 and we are well on our way," Schilz said. "We do fundraise through to the end of August and we get a ton of donations usually coming in right on event day as well, so I think we're well on our way to hitting our goal this year again."
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, an estimated one in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
Schilz said people with cancer need support more than ever as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact and delay cancer diagnoses and treatments.