A drive-through Rock County Relay for Life will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Luverne City Park
The event that once filled the entire city park has been scaled back dramatically this year to accommodate social-distancing requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It has definitely been a challenge,” said Lisa Ehers, Rock County Relay For Life chairwoman. “But we know we will raise what we can to help the American Cancer Society lessen the devastating impact of cancer.”
She said the original plan was to have this year’s Relay at Take 16, like it was last year, but then the pandemic changed plans and it changed fundraising efforts.
“After seeing how hard the shutdown was on our businesses, we have not been out asking for any donations,” Ehlers said.
“I have had a few contact me after they heard we were still going to have something and made a donation. Donations are definitely down this year, but that is to be expected.”
The 2020 version of Relay for Life will feature a drive-up meal, radio broadcast entertainment and a message from Yvette VanDerBrink, Relay for Life Honorary Chairperson.
“The biggest thing is to encourage people,” VanDerBrink said about the message she’ll deliver in the park.
“Try to make life normal for people going through it. Don’t treat them like they have a disease and they’re about to croak.”
VanDerBrink, an auctioneer and land real estate broker, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She completed surgery, chemo and radiation treatments in October 2008.
Through it all, she powered through 19 auctions in five different states, possibly in an attempt to prove she was “normal.”
She did come through cancer free, but later she suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome. She said encouragement from others sustained her.
“If you treat someone with positive encouragement, it can help them with better outcomes,” VanDerBrink said.
VanDerBrink is married to Steve, and their children are Emily and Johnathon.
Ehlers said she hopes the community supports the American Cancer Society, despite the pandemic limitations.
“We still need those critical funds to keep making progress in the fight against cancer, so we welcome and encourage people to go to our website at www.relayforlife.org/rockcountymn and donate if they are able,” she said.
“We hope people will come to the park and enjoy the freewill donation drive-thru meal, listen to some music in their cars and hear Yvette speak. “
Relay for Life poster boards (instead of luminary bags) are available for a freewill donation at Salon 75 or First Farmers & Merchants Bank, or people can make their own posters with tagboard.
A virtual 5K can be run or walked anytime Aug. 20-23.
Register and get a T-shirt at luvprintexpress.com/relay5k. Survivor names can be sent to luvrockrelay@gmail.com to be put on luminary bags.