Warren Relay for Life evolves into Festival of Lives
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WARREN -- Relay For Life is back -- sort of. This year, call it Festival of Lives.
"We're kind of trying to reinvent it since we've been off a couple of years because of COVID," Relay volunteer Luana Andamasaris said. "The festival is to get people reacquainted."
A registered nurse and oncology coordinator at Trumbull Regional Medical Center, Andamasaris is in charge of the 5K run / walk that will open the festival 9 a.m. Saturday at the St. Demetrios Community Center. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Traditionally, the Relay For Life features dozens of teams that raise money for American Cancer Society research and education by walking laps around tracks or city blocks for 24 hours.
In the early days, the all-night party set up at the Mollenkopf Stadium. More recently, the Warren version of the Relay took over Courthouse Square in downtown Warren.
The worldwide coronavirus pandemic played havoc with area Relays in 2020 and 2021. The reboot this year is a chance to also revamp the event.
The event is going to look different than it ever has," said Danielle Starry, senior development manager of the American Cancer Society North Central Region. Community-oriented features will include food trucks, Zumba on the Lawn, sip-and-paint (bring your own beverage), games for kids, live entertainment, and cancer screenings and doctors.
"Another big aspect is the survivors celebration," Starry said. A survivors dessert reception will be served from 6 to 8 p.m.
"We have to celebrate our survivors. We have to celebrate our caregivers also, the loved ones who take them to their appointments (and provided needed help)."
TRUMBULL COUNTY
The Trumbull County Festival of Lives kicks off 9 a.m. Saturday with the 5K run and walk, followed by opening ceremonies, coffee and cookies, games and cancer screenings at 10 a.m., Starry said.
"Prevention and early detection -- those are the two key areas we're focusing on," she said.
With coronavirus protocols, shutdowns and apprehensions, many people missed routine medical checkups. Not only will the Festival of Lives reintroduce the Relay, it's a chance for people to get back on track with their health, Starry said.
"We're going to have folks from Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Brodell Medical, and have cancer screenings for free. We'll have the 3D Mobile Mammography Center. Doctors