The 2026 Relay for Life got off on a good foot Saturday at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School track. The 24-hour fundraiser in motion kicked off shortly after dinner, with a group of survivors taking the first of many laps.
Several years had passed since the once-popular cancer walk — sponsored by the American Cancer Society — made its reappearance on St. Thomas; the first event took place in 2025. But now, under the auspices of the St. Thomas East End Medical Center, Relay drew the kind of support and encouragement seen years ago.
“Unfortunately for my staff I always believe in saying Yes and figuring it out, and when we heard there was a need and an interest in having Relay come back to St. Thomas, I was like, “Yep — absolutely; we’ll do it,” said East End Medical Center Chief Executive Tess Richards.
The weekend walks and fundraiser also came within days of a major national report from the Cancer Society saying 70% of persons diagnosed with cancer have greater chances of living five years past their diagnosis date.
Kean High School students greeted organizers, survivors, and supporters of the cancer walk with members of the JROTC color guard opening the official ceremony, followed by the Devil Rays Marching Band taking a musical lap to start the nightlong walk around the track.
Richards said it took a tremendous effort to stage this year’s cancer walk, but she expressed satisfaction to see that effort become a reality. Schneider Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Tina Comissiong also addressed the crowd, saying the need for public support is sorely needed in the fight against cancer in the Virgin Islands.
Comissiong also spoke about the steps now underway to prepare for the reopening of the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute. The center provided cancer diagnostic and treatment for Virgin Islanders and patients from the Eastern Caribbean from 2006 until 2017, when major storms disabled the building.
“ … the radiation oncologist has been hired, the dosimetry team has been engaged; the radiation therapists have been recruited, and the radiation nurses are already signed up … We’re gearing up, and we’re ready to go,” the medical center chief said.
Chef Jucinto Durant and his team prepared the survivors’ dinners, served by students from the Kean High School hospitality class. “I’m the maitre d’ today,” said St. Thomas Administrator Kevin Rodriguez, “We are happy to be here.”
Once the meal was served, survivors took to their feet and made their way along the track, followed by dignitaries, organizers, and those who donned their sneakers for the long walk into Sunday.
Sponsors for the 2026 Relay for Life cancer walk included One Communications, Merchants Commercial Bank, the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services and the Virgin Islands Source.
