Relay For Life of Bermuda is thrilled to announce the 2023 Global Heroes of Hope: Cavon Burchall and Ernest Signor. These two men continue in the footsteps of Nigel Richardson, who made history in 2022 as the first man who was been given the prestigious title.
Both were motivated to raise awareness of the importance of Relay For Life of Bermuda through their own experiences as cancer survivors. Mr Burchall and Mr Signor have been involved with Relay For Life of Bermuda as members of their respective family teams. They also actively support Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre by sharing their cancer journeys as a way to help others who might be navigating a recent diagnosis as well as volunteering for the Centre wherever they can.
Around the world, each one of the newly selected Global Heroes brings a face and voice to the cancer battle, as well as reinforces the importance of the work that Relay For Life and its
partner organisations do on a daily basis. Heroes of Hope act as ambassadors for their local Relay chapter, and as such are a vital component in connecting Bermuda Relay For Life with the larger worldwide movement. The Global Heroes’ responsibilities include being the go-to person for speaking engagements, sharing their cancer story whenever possible and acting as a champion for their local cancer organisation’s important work.
At the age of 21, Mr Burchall was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He began treatment in Bermuda before continuing overseas at Johns Hopkins Hospital, which included three bone marrow transplants in 2011, 2012 and 2021, as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatment. Mr. Signor was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2019, which impacted his left humorous bone with a lesion. He received chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and Radiation Therapy Treatment at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. Today, both men are cancer free.
The Mission of Relay For Life of Bermuda is to raise awareness and funds to support access to cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and support provided by Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. When asked why they think Relay For Life is important, Mr Burchall says, “Relay For Life raises funds and puts a spotlight on the survivors, supporters, and their challenges. This is vital for Bermuda and its community.” Mr Signor concurs, “It is an opportunity for people in our community to share their stories and come together”.
Relay For Life welcomes everyone, and there are many ways to get involved as a team, survivor, caregiver, sponsor, or volunteer. For more information about how you can join the movement, visit bermudarelay.com
