A small pop-up tent would not suffice for this year’s Mount Saint Agnes Academy Relay for Life team. It was more than the bullying wind, however, that caused the MSA Saints to upgrade its shelter. It was rallying support from students, faculty, staff and family members to join the fight to help kick cancer.

More than 100 members of the MSA Saints teams committed to this goal and to the 24-hour relay by walking, supervising, cooking, donating and praying.

“It was a wonderful event and it was heart-warming to see so many students involved,” said Mrs Karen Wicks, teacher, team leader, and cancer survivor.

“Last year we had just over 50 participants, so to see the strong turnout from the MSA family is incredible.”

This year’s event, hosted by the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, has raised over $450,000 as organisations Island-wide converged for the 24-hour relay, which started at 6.00 pm on Friday and ended the following evening.

Team MSA Saints was grateful for the opportunity to contribute approximately $6,000 to the worthwhile cause.

Speaking of MSA’s efforts, Principal Sue Moench, herself a team leader and cancer survivor, said: “It was an uplifting and emotional event, particularly the Luminaria ceremony.

“Every person, knowingly or unknowingly, has been affected by cancer, and events like this make it possible to celebrate the lives of those who have both survived and passed, while making an actual difference.”