WARREN — Four words encompass the theme for the 2024 Relay For Life – Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

“More than just a walk, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life brings together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,” said Jennifer Snodgrass, senior development manager for the American Cancer Society.

She has a personal connection to the event due to being recently diagnosed with melanoma and undergoing treatment.

“This volunteer-led experience unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer,” she said.

The Trumbull County Relay For Life takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at St. Demetrios Community Center, 3223 Atlantic St. NE, Warren. The survivor’s lap occurs at 11 a.m. with the survivor’s lunch at 11:30 a.m. and luminaria ceremony at 5 p.m.

The luminaria ceremony honors every life touched by cancer – a loved one who died, someone currently battling the disease or a survivor. The luminarias will be decorated with names and, sometimes, with messages.

Then, each one is lit in remembrance of a life touched by cancer followed by a moment of silence.

Snodgrass encourages people to take part in the world’s largest volunteer-based, fundraising event.

“There is no deadline to participate. People are more than welcome to come to the event day-of and participate. You are not required to be part of a team. An individual can certainly sign up and participate.”

She continued, “There are no team requirements. While fundraising is certainly encouraged, there are no requirements when it comes to having/being on a team. Money is raised through sponsorship and fundraising through teams and participants. All of the funds raised at the Relay For Life supports the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”

With advancements in treatment, early detection and anti-smoking programs, cancer deaths dropped from a peak in 1991 with less than four million deaths in 30 years.

Still, a 2024 American Cancer Society (ACS) annual report on cancer facts and trends details that while cancer deaths have fallen, new cases are increasing. More than two million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year with over 600,000 deaths from cancer expected. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in America, exceeded only by heart disease.

Snodgrass explained that events such as Relay For Life allow the ACS to fund research, advocacy efforts, and patient support programs.

Through the funds raised, it can provide services such as a free 24 / 7 Cancer Helpline, free lodging to patients during treatment, navigation support, and free rides to and from treatment through the Road to Recovery program.

“Trumbull County residents are among the highest users of the Cleveland Hope Lodge, which provides free lodging and a “home away from home” environment for individuals going through cancer treatment and their caregiver.”

For more information on the 2024 Relay For Life, go to https://relayforlife.org/trumbullcooh

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If you go …

What: Trumbull County Relay For Life

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: St. Demetrios Community Center, 3223 Atlantic St. NE, Warren

Details:

Survivors’ lap — 11 a.m.

Survivors’ lunch — 11:30 a.m.

Luminaria ceremony — 5 p.m.