Sat | Dec 13, 2025

Relay For Life returns after two-year hiatus

... but needs a stronger lifeline from sponsors to keep hope alive

Published:Saturday | May 17, 2025 | 12:08 AM
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Passion with a purpose! Members of the dedicated Relay For Life Committee pause for a well-deserved moment of recognition at the recently held Relay For Life Launch at Trio Bar and Grill.
Contributed
Passion with a purpose! Members of the dedicated Relay For Life Committee pause for a well-deserved moment of recognition at the recently held Relay For Life Launch at Trio Bar and Grill.
Roshane Reid-Koomson (right), executive director of the Jamaica Cancer Society, shares a warm exchange with Michael Juredini (left), prostate cancer survivor and member of Brothers United Against Prostate Cancer, at the recently held Relay For Life Launch
Contributed
Roshane Reid-Koomson (right), executive director of the Jamaica Cancer Society, shares a warm exchange with Michael Juredini (left), prostate cancer survivor and member of Brothers United Against Prostate Cancer, at the recently held Relay For Life Launch at Trio Bar and Grill.
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After a two-year hiatus, Relay For Life, the Jamaica Cancer Society’s (JCS) flagship fundraising and awareness event, is making a comeback. The event is to be staged on Saturday, June 7 at the Police Officers’ Club, on Hope Road, under the theme ‘Walking Together with HOPE’.

The organisers are appealing for support.

“Relay For Life is more than a fundraiser; it is a celebration of survivorship, a remembrance of loved ones lost to cancer, recognition of caregivers and a powerful community stand against the disease. Funds raised go directly to JCS’s cancer screening and early detection programmes.

Yet, despite the urgency of the cause, securing sponsorship remains a significant challenge,” a release outlined.

“Let’s be honest, cancer isn’t sexy or appealing. It doesn’t come with music trucks or glitter. It’s pain, it’s struggle, and it’s real life,” said Roshane Reid-Koomson, executive director of the JCS.

This stark reality was brought into sharp focus during the recent Jamaica Carnival, when Trinidadian breast cancer survivor Lisa Farrer, affectionately known as ‘Carnival Aunty’, participated topless in the festivities. Having undergone a double mastectomy, Farrer made a bold and personal statement, reclaiming her body and celebrating survivorship. However, her appearance was met with some online criticism from those who deemed her actions inappropriate.

“Lisa’s story is powerful because it exposes a deeper truth: we’re still uncomfortable confronting the raw realities of cancer,” Reid-Koomson continued. “We are truly at a crossroad when even health-focused companies say ‘no’ to events like Relay For Life. When parties and fêtes get the green light, but lifesaving causes don’t, it’s a signal that our priorities are skewed. Cancer is no respecter of persons; it can knock on anyone’s door, at an time.”

Stanford Cocking, chair of the Relay For Life Committee, urged community participation through team formation. “We need teams - strong, proud, and passionate teams. Corporate Jamaica, public sector entities (ministries, departments and agencies), churches, schools, service clubs, and affiliate non-profit organisations to register to walk, jog or run for your survivors, for your loved ones, for yourselves. Register 10 or more and walk together as one.”

Cocking also called for special attention to caregivers by emphasising that “this year, we’re also turning the spotlight on caregivers – the silent warriors in every cancer journey. They cry in private, they advocate, they sacrifice. We want them to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. When you walk at Relay, walk for them too.”

“Bring your banners, your energy, and your team pride. Let the survivors see you. Let the families of those we’ve lost feel your support. Come prepared to pass the baton literally, from your team to the next. That’s what Relay For Life is all about: unity, continuity, and hope,”Cocking said, with a call to honour the spirit of Relay.

Registration is now open via the Jamaica Cancer Society website: www.jcs.live. Corporate sponsors, team leaders, and individuals are encouraged to contact the Jamaica Cancer Society at (876) 927-3317 or email jcsinfo3@cwjamaica.comfor more information or to confirm sponsorship.