Cancer research funding at the American Cancer Society (ACS) dropped by more than 50 percent in 2020.
“Unfortunately, just because COVID is here doesn’t mean cancer stops,” said ACS Santa Barbara County Development Manager Heidi Gavlak. “For the first time in ACS history, it’s been challenging to get funds for cancer research.”
With a goal of raising $31,000, Gavlak said, ACS is hosting the Relay For Life Santa Maria on Oct. 9 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Stadium 805 in Nipomo.
“All funds that are collected—such as Relay For Life—are funds for cancer research. It will have a direct impact on the big picture through treatments and groundbreaking research opportunities. Those treatments funnel back through local oncologists, which in turn saves more lives,” she said.
At the relay, Gavlak said ACS will give participants information about screenings and facts about all types of cancer to encourage doctor consultation and early detection.
“Since COVID-19, people have been scared to go out in public, they’re scared to get their screenings. It’s more important now than ever because people are dying because they didn’t know they had cancer,” she said.
The Relay For Life event kicks off with an opening ceremony that will honor everyone who’s been affected by cancer and all those who contributed to the relay. After the ceremony, people can participate in the Survivor and Caregiver Walk to honor those touched by cancer, Gavlak said.
“This used to be a 24-hour event of walking. We are still going to be honoring survivors by walking around the track. In the evening, we will place white bags with people’s names and pictures on them to honor those who have been affected by cancer and pay tribute to those we’ve lost,” Gavlak said.
The white bags, which will be filled with lights, are a part of the relay’s Luminaria Ceremony. Each light represents a life either impacted or taken by cancer, according to the event’s website.
“It’s the most riveting part of the relay because you are seeing the faces of those who’ve had cancer,” Gavlak said.
People don’t have to walk the whole time, and there are other activities to participate in during the relay, she said.
“We will have music playing throughout the event, fun things planned for the kids, like car races, and themed laps during the relay,” she said.
The children’s area will be set up with arts and crafts stations and games to keep them occupied while parents can walk around the track and explore team booths. Registered cancer survivors and caregivers can receive a free meal while attending the event, Gavlak continued.
“In all honesty, people should come to this event because it’s a great way to show support to community members who have been touched by cancer. The Speedway offers the perfect opportunity to socially distance. We can still come together for one common goal, but we can space apart if we need to,” Gavlak said.
There will be a meeting on Oct. 6 at Pacific Christian Center for participants to get any more information they need before the event.
People can sign up individually or as a team for Relay for Life online; day-of registration is accepted. Contact Gavlak with questions at heidi.gavlak@cancer.org or (805) 757-6811.
Highlight
• The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department invites everyone to a three-day pop-up skating rink experience, Nightmare on Skate Street, a family-friendly Halloween-themed event taking place Oct. 15 to 17. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume to be entered in an opportunity drawing, and snacks will be available for purchase. Participants may bring roller skates and in-line skates, and there are rental options available for $5. Skateboards, scooters, and similar equipment are prohibited. Nightmare on Skate Street will be held on the third level of the Santa Maria Mall parking structure at 317 Town Center East. Call Recreation and Parks with any questions at (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2260.
Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor wrote this week’s Spotlight. Reach her at tconnor@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 7-14, 2021.
