You may have heard of Relay for Life — the day-long walk to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society — but have you heard of Bark for Life?
This Halloween-themed, four-legged counterpart to the popular annual ACS fundraiser takes place Oct. 25 at Johnson Park in Liverpool. It’s a chance for dog lovers to show off their canines’ costumes and raise money for cancer research.
“It’s a brand-new event for the area,” said Andrea Aquino, an ACS specialist for both the Baldwinsville and Liverpool Relay for Life committees.
Melissa Moore, chair of the Liverpool Relay committee, said there have been Bark for Life events in the Southern Tier and in Northern New York, but the Oct. 25 event in Liverpool will be Central New York’s first.
Aquino said the idea of Bark for Life came from cancer survivors who saw the value in their pets’ companionship during their illness.
“They have a pet who serves as their caregiver during a difficult time,” Aquino said.
She also said many cancer treatment centers have volunteer dogs who spend time with patients who are waiting for chemo or other treatments.
Moore said dogs share a “special bond” with their owners and can tell if their human is ill or upset.
“They have an important role in cancer survivors’ recovery,” she said.
Since Relay for Life is traditionally a spring event, Bark for Life provides ACS with another opportunity for community engagement, especially with people who have never participated in a Relay for Life event before.
“We don’t want this to be a one-touch-a-year [endeavor],” Aquino said.
She and Moore said Bark for Life has attracted businesses and participants who may not necessarily have been involved with Relay for Life before.
“It’s a good way to have a little taste of what the Relay community is about without committing yourself to 12 or 24 hours,” Aquino said. Bark for Life is a three-hour event, whereas Relay for Life team members take turns walking for 12 to 24 hours during that event.
Bark for Life will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Johnson Park in Liverpool. It will feature a noncompetitive walk, family-friendly games and activities, raffles, a pet costume contest and a “best friend lookalike” contest for dogs and their owners.
To participate in Bark for Life, pre-register yourself (and your furry friend) at relayforlife.org/barkliverpoolny. Pre-registration for each dog costs $10 online, but you can pay $15 at the door. You’ll receive a purple Bark for Life bandana for your dog and a free raffle ticket.
For more information, visit relayforlife.org/barkliverpoolny or email Andrea Aquino at [email protected].
