After nearly a decade-long absence, Relay For Life is returning to St. Thomas and St. John — and organizers say the timing couldn’t be more important.
The first American Cancer Society Relay For Life of St. Thomas & St. John will take place from Jan. 17–18, at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School track, bringing together cancer survivors, caregivers, families, and community teams for a 24-hour walk dedicated to celebration, remembrance, and action. The event marks the first Relay held on St. Thomas since 2017, made possible through volunteer leadership and a partnership with St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corporation.
Nationally, more than two million new cancer diagnoses are expected in 2026, with more than 400 anticipated in the Virgin Islands. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States, underscoring the need for sustained community-based support and funding.
“Relay For Life is more than just a walk,” said event volunteer Lindsay Schauss. “It’s a volunteer-led movement that brings communities together to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones we’ve lost, and raise funds that directly support people living with cancer here in the Virgin Islands.” Schauss emphasized that all funds raised locally will support American Cancer Society programs and services in the USVI.
The event’s theme, “Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back,” reflects its core focus. Organizers define a cancer survivor as anyone who has ever heard the words “you have cancer,” and caregivers as those who have supported someone through treatment — roles they carry for life. Throughout the weekend, participants will take turns walking the track while community fundraising teams set up campsite-style spaces, creating what organizers describe as a supportive, festival-like atmosphere.
A highlight of the weekend will be a special Survivor Reception on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m., featuring Chef Jucinto Durant, who will prepare a nutritious meal for registered survivors, including a traditional kallalloo dish. “Cancer has done a number on us — not just as a community, but globally,” Durant said. “This is my way of doing my part and letting survivors know they are not alone.” A worship service led by Rev. Nate DeWard of the St. Thomas Reformed Church is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m.
The overnight walk will also include a luminary ceremony, one of Relay For Life’s most meaningful traditions, in which candlelit bags line the track in honor and remembrance of those impacted by cancer. The Virgin Islands Source is proud to be a sponsor of this event and will be lighting a luminary in honor of Elisa McKay — a beloved teacher, artist, mother, friend, and member of our St. Croix Source team whose warmth, creativity, and generosity of spirit left a lasting mark on our community.
Funds raised through Relay For Life in the Virgin Islands support patient financial assistance during active treatment, lodging for off-island care, free cancer screening grants, education and outreach efforts, and ongoing collaboration through the USVI Cancer Coalition.
Community members can participate by forming or joining a team, registering as a survivor, or making a donation. General registration is $15 and includes an event shirt, with additional fundraising incentives available. Cancer survivors may register for free and will receive a dedicated survivor shirt and access to the Survivor Reception.
Relay For Life of St. Thomas & St. John is sponsored by One Communications, Merchants Commercial Bank, Virgin Islands Source, and the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
More information and registration details are available at RelayForLife.org/StThomasVI.
