Relay for Life becomes Relay at Home

ESSEX COUNTY — The Relay for Life is the Canadian Cancer Society’s largest fundraiser and has steep history in this area.

The 12-hour overnight event is held annually in June at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens. Last year’s Relay rasied over $100,000 for the society.

With the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way the world operates for now, this year’s Relay for Life has been reimagined as Relay at Home.

The new, fun and interactive way for participants to relay online from the comfort of their own home, allows for physical distancing. There have been particpants of all ages take part in the Relay in the past.

Relay at Home will have interactive activities for all ages and feature the hallmark components from the inperson events. Donations will support people living with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of those people is Allison Frankowski, who was first diagnosed in February of 2013.

ALLISON FRANKOWSKI

When I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, my first born was only one-and-a-half,” she said. “I went through 16 rounds of chemo, 25 rounds of radiation, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.”

Frankowski is participating to let other young women know that there is always hope and support.

“They told me after chemo that I’d never be able to have anymore kids,” she said. She now has three children.

On Saturday, June 13, from 7-9pm, you can join the Relay at Home and take part in all the interactive activities. It’s free to register at www.relayforlife.ca

According to Maud van Gellecum from the Canadian Cancer Society, "Cancer isn't taking a break during COVID, and neither are we."