The Relay For Life of Bermuda event I started a few years back has just held its 3rd annual event in Bermuda this past May (2016). As of this blog post, we have raised over $651,000 which 95% will remain in Bermuda and 5% will go back to the Global Relay For Life fund.
The 95% which will remain in Bermuda will go toward the Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre’s Radiation Therapy initiative, which should break grounding the very, very near future, bringing must needed Radiation Therapy to Bermuda.
To say that I am moved, or grateful, or blessed….is an understatement. After losing my Mother to cancer back in 2008, something changed in me. I wanted to give back and do something that could show that her passing gave back to others. When I partnered with the Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre in Bermuda, I never in my wildest dreams expected for Relay in Bermuda to become what it has.
This year we had;
- – 145 teams
- – 3,265 official team participants
- – 1,800+ general admission visitors (not counting children and seniors, who were free)
- – $651,000+ raised as of 13 July 2016
- – Over $1,700,000+/- raised since event was started in Bermuda (2014-2016)
We have continued to grow annually.
I continue to feel totally blessed as to the people that get involved in Relay every year. From the Committee members who volunteer their time to the Bermuda Cancer & Health staff….that give 100+% to the volunteers that show up to the event to assist to the many sponsors that step up annually…and help pay for the event and the vendors….that participate.
Relay in Bermuda will always hold a special place in my heart. I know that one day I will be concentrating on other philanthropic items, or working on new causes to help other…but I will always have time for Relay.
Relay is proof that if you believe in something, and other believe in the same thing…it is not hard to pull people together to make it happen. You just need to give it your all and not give up. There was a day when I gave up on Relay as I was going no where getting the event approved, but after a little push from a stranger who said “Don’t give up. If you get Relay in Bermuda, you will have created a legacy. How can I help?” When someone asks “How can I help?” you take that opportunity. I did and withing weeks, was talking to the right people at the American Cancer Society…and it was full steam ahead from there.
I love that famous quote “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It is not hard. If you do the right thing, people will follow. Surround yourself will like minded people, and you will be unstoppable. I am again blessed to have worked with many since 2014 on Relay…and cannot wait to see the turn out in 2017 at the 4th annual event!
Oh…and another great thing that has happened since our 3rd annual event, Relay has been awarded the Best of Bermuda Award for Best Charity Event / Fund-raiser in Bermuda! Whoop Whoop…
For more information on Relay or to view photos of the event, please visit In The News above.
