Luminaries line the track during the American Cancer Society’s 25th Annual Relay For Life at the St. Croix Educational Complex on Saturday evening. The glowing bags, many bearing the names of loved ones honored or remembered, illuminated the path as participants walked throughout the night in a moving tribute to cancer survivors and those lost to the disease. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The American Cancer Society’s 25th Annual Relay For Life returned to St. Croix on Saturday into Sunday at the St. Croix Educational Complex, bringing together survivors, caregivers, families, and community members in the fight against cancer.
For 40 years, Relay For Life participants have united to support the American Cancer Society’s mission of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone. The event celebrates survivors, honors caregivers, remembers loved ones lost to cancer, and raises funds to help ensure access to prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship resources.
Cancer survivors take center stage during the American Cancer Society’s 25th Annual Relay For Life on St. Croix. Wearing survivor sashes and commemorative event shirts, participants walked the track in celebration of their strength, resilience, and triumph over cancer. The Survivors Lap is a cherished Relay For Life tradition that honors those who have faced the disease and serves as a powerful reminder of the hope that inspires the community’s ongoing fight against cancer. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
This year’s event featured approximately 35 teams, all working toward a common goal of supporting those affected by cancer. Through fundraising efforts and community participation, Relay For Life raises hundreds of thousands of dollars to help Virgin Islanders impacted by cancer and support the lifesaving work of the American Cancer Society.
A memorial display honoring Mary McIntosh stands prominently at a Relay For Life campsite during the American Cancer Society’s 25th Annual Relay For Life on St. Croix. The tribute, surrounded by cancer awareness ribbons, luminaries, and fundraising displays, reflected the event’s mission of remembering loved ones lost to cancer while celebrating the lives and legacies they leave behind. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
One of the most anticipated teams was Team Machuchal, which this year used creative displays depicting various forms of cancer to raise awareness and educate attendees about the disease. Their presentation highlighted the importance of cancer awareness while showcasing the spirit of community involvement that defines Relay For Life.
Members of Team Machuchal inside their creatively designed Relay For Life campsite during the American Cancer Society’s 25th Annual Relay For Life at the St. Croix Educational Complex. The team used construction-themed costumes and displays representing various forms of cancer, including prostate, leukemia, breast, brain, and lung cancer, to promote awareness and education while supporting fundraising efforts for cancer research and patient services. (Source photo by Diana Dias)Members of Team Dominicanos pause for a group photo during the American Cancer Society’s 25th Annual Relay For Life at the St. Croix Educational Complex. The team joined dozens of others in walking the track, raising awareness, and supporting fundraising efforts throughout the overnight event dedicated to honoring cancer survivors, remembering loved ones lost, and advancing the fight against cancer. (Source photo by Diana Dias)Team Marsha’s campsite stands brightly decorated during the American Cancer Society’s 25th Annual Relay For Life at the St. Croix Educational Complex. Featuring a “Round 25: Still Fighting” theme and a “Who Are You Fighting For?” tribute board, the team encouraged participants to honor loved ones affected by cancer while raising awareness and funds to support cancer research, patient services, and advocacy efforts. (Source photo by Diana Dias)Members of St. John’s Episcopal Church gather at their Relay For Life campsite during the American Cancer Society’s 25th Annual Relay For Life at the St. Croix Educational Complex. Decorated in vibrant colors and filled with food, fellowship, and support. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The University of the Virgin Islands Caribbean Exploratory Research Center and CARIB-CARES also joined the effort by establishing a Relay For Life team. Team members were encouraged to raise at least $100 each, with the $15 registration fee applied toward their fundraising goal.
Organizers said the event serves as an opportunity for the community to stand alongside family members, friends, neighbors, and loved ones affected by cancer while helping advance research, patient support programs, and advocacy efforts aimed at creating a future without cancer.
Children enjoy a bowling-themed activity at the Ocean Point Terminals campsite during the American Cancer Society’s 25th Annual Relay For Life at the St. Croix Educational Complex. With the theme “Striking Out Cancer One Pin at a Time,” the interactive display combined family-friendly fun with cancer awareness, highlighting the community-wide support that helps make Relay For Life one of the territory’s most impactful fundraising events. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Other teams that participated were Ocean Point Terminals, the V.I. Legislature, Team Dominicanos, Team Marsha, St. John’s Episcopal Church and many more. Luminaries lit the track as participants walked throughout the night.
