A cancer survivor highlighted how healing from disease continues after treatment formally stops.

Karen Pearman, the 2026 Bermuda Relay for Life Global Hero of Hope, told the crowd at this year’s event that healthy eating and exercise allowed people to thrive.

Ms Pearman was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma after experiencing unexplained symptoms ten years ago.

She had months of intensive treatment in Bermuda and overseas but has been cancer free since then and has run in the Bermuda Day Half Marathon derby.

Ms Pearman said yesterday: “I have a story not of overcoming illness, but of discovering what it truly means to sustain good health.

“Cancer taught me that healing does not end when treatment stops, it continues through the choices we make every day.

“I’ve made it my mission to heal my body with nourishing foods, to embrace balanced nutrition and to stay active through regular exercise.”

She added: “By living a lifestyle rooted in nutrition and physical activity, we give ourselves the best chance to thrive, not just survive.”

“My story is not only about survival, it’s about transformation, about taking control of my health and about inspiring others across the globe to live stronger, healthier and more empowered lives every single day.”

Ms Pearman and dozens others followed the Phoenix Gombey Troupe around the National Sports Centre North Field for the relay’s first loop yesterday evening.

Several businesses and organisations were at the event, including Axis, BermudAir, the Bermuda Public Services Union and presenting sponsor Liberty Mutual Bermuda.

Most of the funds raised during the event, set to run until 1pm today, support the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s Equal Access Fund, which provides cancer prevention, detection, support and care to uninsured and underinsured patients, while 3 per cent benefits the American Cancer Society’s global initiatives.

Azuree Williams, Relay for Life Bermuda project manager and event lead, said 1,400 people had registered for this year’s fundraiser, which she hoped would raise $700,000.

She said Relay for Life provided a “safe place for people to connect with their communities and receive support”.

Ms Williams added: “A lot of people come to this event and they’re surprised to see people that they knew, but didn’t know they had cancer. So they can connect, share their stories, bond and really feel supported through all of it.”

Chris Fosker, BCHC chief executive and medical director, discussed the Relay For Life Bermuda’s 2026 theme, “Waves of Hope”.

He urged attendees: “When you walk around tonight, don’t see individuals, see ripples — ripples in every conversation, every hug, every shared moment, every shared story.

“As these ripples grow they become waves of hope, waves of change, waves of progress and waves that can transform cancer care for Bermuda.

“Together those waves will carry us forward, help us reduce delays, close gaps and ensure everyone in Bermuda has access to cancer care they need and deserve when they need it, surrounded by their loved ones at their most important times.”

Cousins Vernette Hunt and Gerline Butterfield are both breast cancer survivors.

Ms Hunt, who has been cancer-free for eight years, recalled needing a wheelchair when she first left hospital.

She explained: “I was determined to get out of that wheelchair, for the last six years I used a walker, now I have my cane.

“A lot of it has to do with your mindset and when you make up your mind that ‘it’s not going to beat me, I’m going to do my best to fight it’.”

Ms Butterfield has been cancer-free for six years and said everyone’s journey was different.

She said: “No one could do anything better for you than yourself but we could always use that encouragement.

“That’s the main thing, knowing there’s someone you can call when you feel down, that’s a big part of it, the support.”

Visit cancer.bm/relay-for-life for more information about the fundraiser.