After a two-year hiatus, Relay For Life, the Jamaica Cancer Society’s (JCS) flagship fundraising and awareness event, is making a meaningful comeback.

The event will be staged on June 7, at the Police Officers’ Club on Hope Road under the unifying theme ‘Walking Together with HOPE‘.

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. 

“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 Jamaica Cancer Society.

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, Lisa 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 crossroads when even health-focused companies say ‘no’ to events like Relay For Life. When parties and fetes 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 any 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 ten or more and walk together as one,” he stated.

He 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 all about: unity, continuity, and hope,” Cocking expressed with a call to honour the spirit of relay.