Alvin Burke, Jr.<\/a><\/span>, who lost his grandmother to cancer and dedicates his walk around the track to her. “Everything of Relay For Life, I love. From the organization and the support from all the different businesses, and how everyone comes together.”<\/p>\nSaturday marked the 15th annual event here, according to Tina Beazer, interim executive director of the Virgin Islands arm of the American Cancer Society (A.C.S.).<\/p>\n
Dozens of groups from all corners of this community — businesses, nonprofits, government departments and agencies, the Office of the Governor and Office of the Lieutenant Governor, senators, local celebrities and commoners — gathered at the large field, ready to walk, run, and in the process raise funds for what Ms. Beazer said remains one of the biggest killers in the Virgin Islands.\u00a0She said Relay For Life, celebrating its 30th year this month, has been and continues to be an effort to bring the community together and signify hope to those who are currently fighting cancer, survivors, and as a remembrance for those who lost their battle against the disease, of which a cure remains elusive.<\/p>\n
The interim executive director said A.C.S.’s focus has become more pointedly on prevention, noting that while a cure has not be found, knowledge gleaned from decades of research confirm that adopting preventative measures is the best way of staying cancer free. She highlighted weight as a major issue in the African American community, and advocated healthier eating habits.<\/p>\n