Bermuda Relay For Life

The fourth annual Bermuda Relay For Life took place over the 12th and 13th of May.  Relay For Life has become a one of the largest fundraising events in Bermuda.  The 24-hour-long event brought together 4,200 community members across 125 teams.

Colonial Account Manager and Business Developer, Ron Spencer III, founded the event in 2014 after working almost 5 years to have Bermuda approved as a Relay Country after losing his Mother to Cancer in 2008.  The Mission of Relay For Life of Bermuda is to raise awareness and funds to support cancer prevention and detection and to improve access to treatment with the local establishment of radiation therapy.

From left, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre executive director Tara Curtis, health and seniors minister Jeanne Atherden and BCHC medical director and clinical oncologist Chris Fosker.

Photo taken by Akil Simmons

To date, the event has raised over $2.2 million.  95% of the funds raised from this year’s event and past events, go toward Bermuda's first Radiation Therapy Facility.  A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on May 17.

With an on-island treatment facility, patients will no longer need to travel long distances to receive the care they need.  This will also allow them to remain close to their family and support systems during the treatment process.

The 2017 Relay For Life of Bermuda has raised $544,000, and counting.