Events and Activities : 2020 Benton County Shelter in Relay For Life: More Important Than Ever

In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, data and statistics have become very important.

Here are some current statistics from the American Cancer Society:

IOWA-AT A GLANCE:

**Estimated new cases in 2020-18,460

**Estimated deaths in 2020-6,440

**Of the estimated new cases for 2020, the top five types of cancer in Iowa in order are: breast (female), lung and bronchus, prostate, colorectum, and skin melanoma.

Contributions to the Relay for Life in Benton County support the American Cancer Society's goals to save lives and create more birthdays by helping people stay well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. Another important goal of the ACS is funding the research for early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer. This year in Iowa, funding has become extremely depleted; and for some cancer research, funding has completely run dry. Circumstances this year prohibit large gatherings of people to participate in relays, but we can still make the commitment to honor, remember, and celebrate those who have battled or are battling cancer.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Benton County was scheduled to take place on May 29th. Due to COVID-19, it will now be Shelter in Relay for Life on Sunday, June 7th on National Cancer Survivors Day. With the spread of COVID-19, cancer patients are more vulnerable than ever. The American Cancer Society needs everyone's support to continue its lifesaving cancer programs and research. Everyone is encouraged to join together on National Cancer Survivors Day on June 7th as we Shelter in Relay for Life in Benton County. We are all invited to come together from our homes and neighborhoods across our communities to fight back and stand together.

Even though Relay will not be a large gathering at one place this year, remember there are still ways for individuals, families, teams, and neighborhoods to be involved while practicing safe social distancing. Find t-shirts from previous relays to wear on Sunday, June 7th! Walking can be done inside the house, around the yard or patio, or around the neighborhood. Goals of certain distances or times can be set, and funds can be raised by asking family and friends to pledge or donate toward those goals. Celebrate survivors by calling, sending cards, taking pledges in their honor or memory, and decorating windows with specific cancer color ribbons or using sidewalk chalk to decorate driveways and sidewalks. Luminarias to remember and honor can be created to set on porches, sidewalks, and driveways on the evening of June 7th.

Every dollar can make an impact right here in Benton County, so please consider making a donation of any amount.

**Online at www.relayforlife.org/bentoncountyia

**Chelsea Savings Bank

PO Box 67

Van Horne, IA 52346

Thank you for all your support to the fight against cancer!

Your Relay for Life of Benton County Committee: Ev Wiebke, Fran Magdefrau, Loretta Vogt, Eva Bartelt, Crystal Fisher, Sandi Gibney, Carol Ann Bossom, Jolene Topinka.