A survivor of stage-four cancer is the Global Hero of Hope for the Relay for Life Bermuda this year.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre nominated Karen Pearman as the 2026 Global Hero for Bermuda to recognise her battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, her passion for wellness and living fully beyond diagnosis.

Ms Pearman was diagnosed with the disease after experiencing unexplained symptoms ten years ago.

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma could include chest pains, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and skin rashes.

The centre said her cancer was confirmed through testing in Bermuda and advanced imaging in Boston, where immediate treatment was required.

“She underwent months of intensive chemotherapy in Bermuda, along with specialised treatments overseas.”

Ms Pearman reflected: “In those early days, everything moved very fast — it was frightening and overwhelming, but I knew I had to fight.”

She told The Royal Gazettein 2017: “Cancer should make you a better person. Things you don’t want to deal with, you have to deal with.

“You don’t want to waste time, you want to be fearless.”

Ms Pearman has been cancer-free for ten years and participated in the Bermuda Day Half Marathon since then.

She said: “Early detection saves lives, but so does being heard.

“I share my story to encourage others to trust their instincts and keep advocating for their health.”

Azuree Williams of Relay for Life Bermuda event head, said the fundraiser, now in its thirteenth year, is driven by “people, their stories, their strength and their unbreakable bonds”.

She added: “Ms Pearman embodies everything Relay stands for.

“Her journey as a survivor and her dedication to living with intention and hope make her a powerful ambassador for this year’s campaign.”

Ms Pearman will represent Bermuda within the wider Relay for Life community as a 2026 Global Hero of Hope.

The statement also discussed Relay for Life Bermuda’s 2026 theme, “Waves of hope”.

It explained: “With the slogan ‘Together, we create ripples that change lives’, the theme was chosen to honour the quiet strength of survivors, the unseen sacrifices of caregivers and the collective force of a community that continues to show up, year after year.

“Cancer touches everyone differently — sometimes like a sudden wave, other times like a slow tide that reshapes life for ever.

“Waves of Hope reminds us that hope is not a single moment, but a movement.

“Every lap walked, every dollar raised, every name remembered sends ripples outward reaching families, funding care and shaping a future where no one faces cancer alone.”

Funds raised during the event, which will take place on May 8 and 9 at the National Sports Centre, will support Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s equal access fund.

The fund provides cancer prevention, detection, treatment and support services to uninsured and underinsured patients.

Visit bermudarelay.bm to register, donate or learn more about the fundraiser.