While most of 2020 has not gone as expected, survivors will still be celebrated by the American Cancer Society during the month of October – just in pandemic fashion.

The American Cancer Society will hold a drive-through survivor celebration for those in Franklin County who have overcome cancer Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon at Russellville First Baptist Church.

“This is just our way to tell our survivors that we are still there for them, just in a 2020 way,” said American Cancer Society senior coordinator Anna Duncan.

Duncan said the event will be set up like a survivor parade, where attendees will receive a survivor shirt and medal. There is no registration for the event, but it is first-come, first-served for T-shirt sizes.

“We hope something like this will give someone hope and be something to brighten their day,” Duncan said.

Duncan said each year ACS usually holds several events for breast cancer awareness month, but COVID-19 has forced changes to accommodate social distancing.

The ACS is also hosting a fall fundraising challenge for the month of October to support funding for cancer research. Anyone who raises $250 in the month of October will receive a long-sleeved hoodie.

Duncan said fundraising efforts are always important, but they are even more important this year because COVID-19 is expected to put cancer research years behind in its progression.

Duncan said because of the hit COVID-19 took to the economy, there is estimated to be a 50 percent decrease for cancer funding.

“We have made such great progress, and we want to make sure we continue to make progress in research so we can beat cancer,” Duncan said.

For more information on fundraising, visit relayforlife.org/franklinal.