The Relay For Life of Bermuda event committee along with lead sponsor Liberty Specialty Mutual, announced today that due to COVID19 the event in its original format has been suspended. However, cancer never sleeps so neither will Relay For Life of Bermuda on May 15-16, 2020! This year’s theme says it all, “Life May Be A Twister But We Are In It To Win It, Sorry Cancer!”
"In the best interest of public health, we cannot responsibly host an event that brings together over 5,000 people for a 24-hour event" stated Azuree Williams, Event Co-Chair. “Sorry Cancer, Relay will be adapting to our new COVID19 reality and will take place in a social distancing way - a Virtual Way".
“LSM is proud to be the lead sponsor of the Relay For Life of Bermuda, we fully support Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre decision to suspend the physical event this year, in the best interests of our community. Relay for Life is not just a fundraising event, it is a symbol of hope and community and Covid-19 is further proof that life is indeed a twister ” says Steve Horton, President, Liberty Specialty Market. “While Covid-19 has prevented us from coming together in person this year, we know that cancer never sleeps and we will continue to celebrate, remember, fight back and to raise vital funds.”
During these unprecedented times, it is essential to be reminded that cancer does not sleep and neither should our support in raising funds for patients needing radiation therapy treatment.
"The need for radiation therapy doesn't go away. Unfortunately, we anticipate an increase in the unemployment rate which means more people without health insurance; more people needing assistance to pay for their unanticipated cancer treatment" said Deborah Titterton Narraway, Event Co-Chair and Chief Marketing Officer at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. "We are hoping that throughout 2020, Relay For Life teams will continue to support us in reaching our goal of raising $700,000, reminding cancer that we are In It To Win It!”
The $700,000 raised each year by Relay For Life is vital to Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's ability to assist those who cannot afford the cancer detection and treatment services.
"The majority of us do not have a rainy day fund of $100,000+ just in case we need cancer treatment" stresses Titterton Narraway.
In 2018 $1.3 million of fundraising dollars was used to provide 84 patients with radiation therapy at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. Many of these patients would likely not have been able to afford this potentially life-saving treatment. $543,604 assisting those whose health insurance did not cover 100% of the cost and $487,014 supporting those without health insurance. In 2019 the Centre subsidised over $1.7 million in clinical services thanks to donations from the community.
Relay For Life is more than just a 24-hour event, it is a year-long movement. Teams, survivors, sponsors and the community are asked to put on their game faces and tap into their imagination this year to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back on May 15th and 16th.
It might take the form of parading around your yard, packing a healthy picnic and camping in your backyard, pulling out the board games (Twister, Sorry, LIFE) or setting a step challenge for your team to achieve in their individual homes. Each of us can still take part in a fun and moving experience that will raise funds for Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's Equal Access Fund - subsidising the cost of radiation therapy for those without health insurance. In the new COVID19 world, this need is increasing with the rise in unemployment.
Details of the event schedule, ceremonies and opportunities to participate will be released in the days to come. For now, teams are encouraged to continue to register on www.bermudarelay.com. 100% of each team member’s $10 registration fee will support someone in our community to receive radiation therapy.
