Hundreds of community members from all walks of life came together to support the American Cancer Society and to honor those who have battled cancer and won and those who have lost.
"Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back" was the theme of this year’s Relay For Life and those in attendance were doing all three. Kids played musical chairs, refereed by this year’s MC Leslie Comissiong, while adults caught up with old friends. Team tents were decorated with photos of loved ones who lost the battle with cancer and team members brought food and drinks to nourish their weary walkers.
The opening ceremony began at 4 p.m. with a few words from Laura James, a breast cancer survivor, who said she was there "with mixed feelings and a little teary."
The St. Thomas Majorettes led cancer survivors, wearing yellow T-shirts, in the opening lap around the Charlotte Amalie High School track as community members cheered alongside. Following the survivors’ lap, teams wearing blue Relay For Life shirts began walking the track
This year’s event had approximately 57 registered teams, a drop from the number of teams in past years. Each team, with a minimum of 15 team members, pays $150 to sign up and then each individual member has to raise $100.
Therese Hodge, team recruitment coordinator, had a tough job this year given the economic climate but was extremely happy with the turnout. She stated, "It’s a great event that attracts a cross-section of the community for a common cause."
Jane DiCola, in her sixth year as a Relay For Life volunteer, said, "It doesn’t matter if there are a hundred teams or 57. There is a feeling in the air here of intention and that’s why I do this year after year."
Following a dinner of fish and stewed chicken served to cancer survivors, Caswil Callender, a prostate cancer survivor, spoke to the crowd, imploring everyone, but especially the men, to get regular cancer screenings. "Forget the macho stuff," he said, "and go to your doctor. I know men who have said they would rather die than get checked for prostate cancer. Do not worry about post-treatment problems because that can be taken care of. My message is to encourage you, for the sake of your loved ones, to get yourselves checked."
He also talked about Us, Too, a support group for men with prostate cancer, and how much it helped him get through his struggle.
The highlight of the evening was the survivors’ luminary walk. For over a month now, volunteers have been stationed at post offices throughout the territory selling $5 luminaries to be placed along the track at the relay. Luminaries decorated with loved ones’ names and photos lined both sides of the track and spelled out "HOPE" on the Charlotte Amalie bleachers.
The track lights were cut and the only light came from the flickering luminaries as the large group of cancer survivors walked the track in unity while those lining the tracks watched with tears in their eyes. Survivors were joined by their loved ones for a second lap around before the lights were turned on.
Relay For Life proceeds go towards education and cancer awareness, assisting cancer patients with treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation, funding for patients to receive treatment off-island, and screenings for prostate, breast, and skin cancer.
Diana Parker, a cancer survivor, chairperson of this year’s event and president of the board of the St. Thomas-St. John chapter of the American Cancer Society, said, "One of the unique things in the territory is that all of the funds raised here stay right here. We do not have to give a percentage to the other regions."
Relay For Life teams walked through the night, and the event finished with an awards ceremony Sunday morning.
