Stoddard County, MO - "It is with a heavy heart as a cancer survivor that I have to announce that the Stoddard County Relay for Life event has cancelled. It is the latest fundraising event to be collateral damage because of the COVID-19 virus," commented Dee Loflin.
The American Cancer Society has suspended all events through mid-May based on current guidance and out of an abundance of caution amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a press release obtained from Ashley Cody, Relay for Life ACS Staff Partner the American Cancer Society has suspended all events through mid-May. This postponement impacts the annual Relay for Life of Stoddard County scheduled for May 1st at East Park in Dexter. This event will not take place, but they invite the community to continue to support the mission of ACS by supporting fundraising efforts of local teams virtually.
"Trust me when I say this breaks my heart, because it does. But a HUGE part of Relay For Life is honoring our survivors, some of the very people that are most at risk. My own parents would not have been able to be there. When I say that Belinda, myself and others agonized over this, it's an understatement. ACS made the decision to cancel all events nationwide until after our event," commented Jennifer Hartlein, Stoddard County Relay for Life Event Co-Chair.
"Would they have allowed us to move it to another date, yes, but we have way too much respect for other events in June and July to schedule it at the same time. And all of our county schools have tons of events and fundraisers starting in August. I, for one will be at the 18 Fore Life event in June and encourage you to support that event and the local schools then as well." continued Hartlein.
"We will still honor our survivors, it just will be different. A huge thanks to the hard work done by our committee and team. This was going to be one of our best events ever!! Also thank you to all of our sponsors. You guys are awesome! Please look at the back of your old Relay shirts and support those small businesses now more than ever!!"
"Relay for Life has been a tradition for years in our community," commented Belinda Worley. "This decision comes with great sadness, but is indeed the right choice. In an effort to keep everyone safe, we will be switching all fundraising to online for 2020."
"We appreciate your love, support, and understanding. Social distancing SUCKS, but CANCER SUCKS MORE!"
We will be back, We will Celebrate, We Will Remember and We Will definitely Fight Back! Thanks again Stoddard County and much love to all!!
