Relay For Life of Monroe County got a bit of a makeover this year, but the American Cancer Society remains steadfast in its commitment to help those with and those affected by cancer.

After receiving positive feedback on a spring Relay several years ago, organizers decided to move up the event this year that typically takes place in late summer.

The event, which in earlier years took place overnight, beginning around dusk and ending at dawn, will take place from 3 to 11 p.m.

“Last year the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life nationwide made the change to where communities could decide when the event was, as long as it was at night so we cold have a luminaria ceremony,” said Mandy Sidner, senior manager for Relay For Life of Southwestern Illinois.

The goal is to make the event family-friendly and accessible to as many people in the community as possible.

Another big change is the move to Columbia.

The event was held at the Monroe County Fairgrounds for years, then moved to Gibault Catholic High School several years ago. This year, it will be at Metter Park in Columbia. And, again, the decision was all about the families.

But one thing that hasn’t changed is the focus on providing support to anyone faced with a cancer diagnosis — whether it is their own or that of a loved one.

“I think caregivers are often overlooked, and it can be overwhelming,” said Jenny Agnew, who has been involved with Relay For Life for more than 10 years.

Agnew would know.

Her father was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in 2011. Only two years later, she again heard that fateful diagnosis, when her mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Agnew’s dad has been cancer free for almost five years. Her mom lost her battle less than a year after diagnosis.

“My mom and I had plans, but cancer had other plans,” Agnew said.

And Agnew was the primary caregiver for her parents as they both went through surgeries,  radiation and chemotherapy.

Throughout the process of cancer treatments, Agnew learned a lot about what the American Cancer Society has to offer.

“As a caregiver in this situation, we spent a lot of time going to and from treatments,” Agnew said. “It was a roller coaster of a ride, with many ups and downs.”

Agnew said her mom took advantage of an ACS wig program that provided her with a free wig.

“That made her feel good. She wore it all through treatment,” Agnew said. “And she was able to get out and be with people going through the same thing as her.”

ACS also has a support line that is available 24 hours a day, and programs like Road to Recovery, which provides free rides to and from doctor’s appointments and treatments, and Hope Lodge, a free place to stay for patients getting second opinions or treatment away from home. ACS also offers educational information on the importance of follow-up visits, preventative care and even offers some genetic testing.

“I have to say, through these experiences in life, it made me a stronger person in so many ways,” Agnew said. “It taught me to never give up on anything you set your mind to and to be a fighter.”

It also reinforced to her why Relay For Life is so important. Although she had been “Relaying” for about three years before her dad’s diagnosis, she now has more personal reasons to participate.

“I feel that us all coming together as a whole — friends, family, the communities fighting this battle — that someday there will be a cure for all cancers,” she said.

And those who participate in Relay For Life know about the battles. But they also know about the victories. Sometimes those victories come in the form of defeating cancer, like Agnew’s dad — now a Relayer himself — and sometimes they come in the form of her team, Team XOXO, which participates in honor of her mom.

“Relay is one day that is kind of a memorial day for my mom.”

She said the more than 50 family and friends on her team take advantage of the event to remember and celebrate her mom’s life. They also use the opportunity to raise funds for an organization they believe in and to spread the word about a new passion of theirs — vaccinating.

“Both my parents’ cancers came from the HPV virus,” she said. “I’ve become an advocate for the vaccine.”

“Relay For Life is an awesome opportunity for anyone to come and see how cancer affects not just one person at a time, but hundreds,” Agnew said. “It’s never-ending. Every day, people are sitting in doctors’ offices and learning they have cancer.”

And for all those who suddenly find themselves in a caregiver position, she has advice that comes from the heart.

“Our loved ones who may have been recently diagnosed, who are still fighting the fight, need us now more than ever.” Agnew said. “To continue to relay, to continue raising money, raising awareness, and supporting them. Never give up hope.  Together, we can all make a difference.”

Relay For Life will begin at 3 p.m., with an opening ceremony featuring remarks by Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson and songs sung by Morgan Ladyman of Gibault. There will be a silent auction until 7 p.m., and a luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m.