The eleventh staging of Relay for Life is to be held on Saturday, August 20 starting at 6 pm at Turtle River Park.
The relay, a signature event of the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) St Ann/St Mary branch was officially launched Wednesday, July 27, on the lawns facing the branch’s office, at 19 Ocean Village Shopping Centre, Ocho Rios. It was supported by a number of cancer survivors, volunteers, family and friends, as well as sponsors.This year’s theme, ‘No one fights alone. Celebrate… Remember… Fight back,’ highlights the continuous support given in the fight against cancer.
Master of ceremony of the event was, Phillipa Robinson, of CIMPRESS Jamaica Limited.Chairman of the board, Madeline Whitter, welcomed and thanked all the staunch supporters who continue to assist where possible. Reverend Father Howard James gave a word of prayer, which was followed by the opening remarks, given by chairman of the survivors group, Angela Strudwick, last year’s awardee for hero of hope.
The relay overview was given by Relay for Life committee chairman, Kameel Bryan-Russell. She said the day’s proceedings Saturday will begin with the survivors’ lap, and end with the lighting of the luminaria, which is dedicated to those lives lost to cancer. Artistes scheduled for the show include Fab 5, Michelle Black and Gem Myers.
Among those looking forward to the event and calling for full support were: Omar Haye, branch manager of Jamaica National, gold sponsor; Janice Carr, St Ann and Trelawny parish manager of Jamaica Public Service Company and Norma Walters, custos of St. Ann.The official launch was declared by Dr Jessica Whyte, a general surgeon from the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital. A heart-warming survivor’s testimony was given by Jody Wilson-Hinds, accompanied by fellow survivors.Anna Reader, vice chairman of the branch, gave the vote of thanks.
