​The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Oceanside Celebrates 20th Anniversary After Being Suspended During Pandemic

Oceanside, CA – October 06, 2020 – Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the previously scheduled Relay For Life of Oceanside has now been rescheduled for a Weeklong Anniversary Celebration with the highlight Drive-thru Luminaria event on Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 7:00pm-8:30pm at MiraCosta College (entrance at Rancho del Oro & Glaser Road). Relay For Life is all about togetherness, but the safety of our survivors, volunteers and staff is always a top priority.

“During this difficult time, cancer won’t stop, and neither will we,” said Tina Ortiz, this year’s Event Co-Lead. “In April, we were ready to celebrate our 20th Anniversary when the event was postponed. We were close to canceling the event but in the true spirit of community support, MiraCosta College worked with us and approved our Drive-Thru Luminaria Ceremony! Even though we cannot currently walk around the track for 24 hours, we are committed to continuing to fight cancer head-on and hope that you will stand together with us, even when we’re apart.”
 
The highlight of each Relay event is the Luminaria Ceremony where Luminaria bags dedicated to cancer fighters light the path during the night hours, symbolizing that cancer never sleeps. This year at the Drive-thru Luminaria event, the Luminaria bags will light the path as vehicles drive-thru the campus.  This is a safe, contactless event and all attendees will remain in their vehicles.
 
In addition to the Drive-thru Luminaria event, sponsored by Genentech, two Oceanside restaurants have joined the fight against cancer and are hosting Give-Back Fundraisers for the Relay. On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, Señor Grubbys at 311 N. Tremont, Oceanside will donate 20% of sales from 6:00pm-8:00pm. On Saturday, October 10, 2020, Board and Brew at 2213 S. El Camino Real, Oceanside will donate 20% of sales when you mention Oceanside Relay.
 
“To see the Oceanside community come together to find a way to remember friends and family during this time is truly special. Many of us are touched by cancer. We all want the same thing…to find a cure,” said Ortiz who also relays on a team of family & friends with her daughter, Brianna Ortiz. Their team was started 15 years ago in memory of her husband who passed away from colon cancer in 2001.
 
The American Cancer Society’s mission matters more than ever. The needs of people facing cancer continue and so does our work. Cancer patients still need support during this crisis. Funds raised help the American Cancer Society to continue with cancer research, the 24/7 helpline, and for continuing services to get patients the care and support they need.
 
Help continue to bring hope to those that need it most. Join us and donate to the Relay For Life of Oceanside by visiting, www.RelayForLife.org/OceansideCA or by contacting Jessica Flora at 717.578.9020 or email Jessica.flora@cancer.org.

​For more information on the American Cancer Society visit: www.cancer.org  or for 24-hour support, call 800-227-2345.