MARIETTA — The 2021 BrAva Mom Prom to raise funds for pediatric cancer research has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers said on Wednesday.

The event was scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Washington County Fairgrounds and all tickets will be refunded, according to BraVa Vice President Erin Roberts.

“While it pains us greatly to cancel the 2021 BrAva Mom Prom, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of the immunocompromised children of our BrAva mothers who are honored guests each year at BrAva Mom Prom,” Roberts said.

A week ago, planners believed the 2021 prom was still a go. Organizers secured a larger building with eight garage doors and three industrial ceiling fans, confirmed the event with all their vendors, found a company willing to rent them a trailer with flushable toilets and air conditioning for the new site.

“We felt like we could safely proceed,” she said.

The BraVa committee will monitor the pandemic and will re-evaluate its fundraising events in six months.

“We are extremely sorry that we have been unable to meet any of the dates we’ve entertained since postponing the event,” Roberts said. “Please accept our regret and sincere apology.”

BrAva has helped more than 50 local families, five of whom have children that have been diagnosed since the pandemic began. It has donated more than $355,000 to local families and CureSearch, a national organization focused on pediatric cancer research.

To help, people are asked to consider donations through PayPal at bravacares@gmail.com or to BrAva, P.O. Box 535, Marietta, OH 45750.