Over the years, Freeborn County Relay for Life has raised a substantial amount of money for American Cancer Society.

This year, more help is sought to ease the pressure a decreasing amount of volunteers has put on the event’s remaining volunteers. 

American Cancer Society Community Development Manager Sami Jo Helmers Nelson said there has been a substantial decrease in the number of cancer survivors who have attended the Freeborn County event, from 935 in 2015 to less than 100 two years later. The number of volunteers has also substantially decreased.

This year’s event is scheduled from 3 to 11 p.m. Aug. 11 at Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Though a lack of volunteers would put additional pressure on remaining volunteers, Helmers Nelson said the event will probably still take place.

Interested volunteers can contact Helmers Nelson at 507-695-7264, on the Relay for Life Facebook page or at Relayforlife.org/FreebornCountyMN. 

Helmers Nelson said the event’s schedule has shifted to better accommodate the community. In previous years, Freeborn County Relay for Life was an overnight event. 

Some staffing issues could stem from communication problems or a lack of staffing from the American Cancer Society, Helmers Nelson said, adding she will work to increase the number of volunteers for the event.

“I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere,” she said.

Freeborn County Relay for Life participant Brett Boss said outreach is being conducted to make the event more attractive to participate in.

Boss, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ewing’s sarcoma in December 2014, said the event can be difficult for cancer survivors who have spent substantial amounts of time fighting the disease, causing burnout.

Boss said he hopes the event continues, adding a better plan needs to be established so volunteers participate.

“That’s the big thing, I think,” he said.

He estimated Freeborn County Relay for Life raised nearly $100,000 for American Cancer Society last year.