Bermuda’s cancer statistics are sobering. Recent figures suggest that close to 500 people receive a cancer diagnosis and about 120 lives are lost to the disease every year.
There’s another data set that’s just as striking, yet far more uplifting.
It’s a breakdown from Bermuda Health and Cancer Centre of the support it received from the community in 2024, amounting to 467 volunteer hours donated and $1.7 million raised.
Those efforts enabled 2,084 individuals to benefit from the charity’s Equal Access Fund, which removes financial barriers for patients.
Deborah Titterton Narraway, the centre’s chief marketing officer, said: “Every year, Bermudians show up as teams, workplaces, families and friends and turn generosity into care.
“In 2024, community giving helped to power Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s mission so that no one delays screening, diagnosis or treatment because of cost.”
Addressing the community, she added: “Simply put: your giving creates our impact.”
Ms Titterton Narraway explained that in 2024 the centre subsidised $1.8 million worth of clinical services for those 2,084 patients, some of whom had no insurance and some whose health insurance did not cover the full cost of care.
“Even when an insurer indicates 100 per cent coverage, this usually refers to 100 per cent of their capped allowance, which may only cover a portion of the actual service cost,” she said.
“The centre bridges that gap so patients can focus on their wellbeing rather than worrying about how to pay.”
Although it was a great year for fundraising, there was a shortfall between what was raised and what needed subsidising.
“We have never had a year when we’ve raised enough money to cover everybody’s equal access,” she added. “We do it by managing our cashflow month to month.”
Showing up to support
The centre raises funds in many ways but best-known are the annual events that have become a staple of the island’s calendar.
One such is the 18-hour Relay for Life, presented by Liberty Mutual Bermuda, with its poignant luminaria, representing those affected by cancer, lighting up the track.
The May 2024 event raised $739,738 and included 107 teams, 2,376 participants and 2,503 general admissions.
With 100 per cent of the event costs covered by sponsors, every team dollar could be used to support care via the Equal Access Fund.
Other highlights last year were the BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, which raised $170,237; AXA XL Man on the Run 5K, which raised $39,244, with a record 423 males taking part; and MOvember Bermuda, which raised $74,389 for men’s health.
A very tangible outcome of the 2024 fundraising done is a new mammography unit which has replaced the centre’s ageing machine.
“It has now been purchased, installed and is up and running,” said Ms Titterton Narraway. “We don’t waste time on putting the money to good use.”
She said some of last year’s donations went towards “unrestricted support” giving the centre “flexibility to upgrade equipment, invest in technology and build staff capability where it’s needed most”.
Just as important is cancer prevention education which, she added, “delivers evidence based programmes to thousands in our community in schools, workplaces and the community to lower risk and catch cancer earlier”.
The centre was able to reach 3,056 people through cancer prevention programmes in 2024, with another 7,000-plus able to view cancer prevention messaging at its events.
Beyond the large-scale events, people gave in other lasting ways, such as by paying for a commemorative tile in the centre’s entryway.
Dates for your diary
Fundraising continues apace in 2025, with this year’s Relay for Life having raised $786,756 to date.
October 15 will see the 29th annual BF&M Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, while MOvember Bermuda will be on November 1 and the AXA XL Man on the Run 5K on November 9.
Ms Titterton Narraway said donor support in the coming years would “directly fuel expanded patient services, including cancer navigation, investment in new medical equipment, renovations to existing facilities to accommodate changes and the Equal Access Fund”.
She urged the community: “Form a team. Sponsor an event. Add a tile. Make a gift. Rally your colleagues. Every action, large or small, helps a neighbour get timely screening, accurate diagnosis and world-class treatment close to home.”
Helping out Pals
Another charity helping those affected by cancer had what its executive director called a “record-breaking year” in 2024-25 “thanks to the incredible generosity of the Bermuda community”.
Colleen English DeGrilla, of Pals Cancer Care in Bermuda, said: “Our annual raffle reached new heights, selling 7,583 tickets, the most ever.
“This year, with 54 prizes on offer, our goal is to sell 9,000 tickets, every one helping to support cancer patients and their families.”
She said the Pals Annual Walk in February was “our most successful to date, with over 1,373 participants joining to celebrate survivors, honour those living with cancer and remember loved ones lost.
“To top it off, the event was named Best Charity Event in the Best of Bermuda Awards.”
Ms English DeGrilla added: “The Pals thrift shop continues to flourish and is already raising vital funds for our work and was proudly awarded Best Thrift Shop.
“March saw the debut of our Pals Electric Raffle, another tremendous success.”
Ms English DeGrilla said the charity was “always moved by individuals who run, bike or swim in memory of loved ones to raise money for Pals. Every effort, big or small, helps to sustain our services. That support is vital.”
Pals relies on fundraising to cover its daily operations, from its physician, six nurses and social worker to its small, dedicated staff.
It also funds courses like the Integrative Oncology Programme, which teaches a holistic approach to cancer care, focusing on nutrition, movement, emotional wellbeing and spiritual health.
Ms English DeGrilla said: “None of this would be possible without the generosity of local businesses, our tireless volunteers and the groundswell of community support.”
The charity hopes the community will continue to support the work of Pals by buying a raffle ticket, joining the next annual walk, shopping at the thrift shop or volunteering.
“Every contribution makes a lasting impact,” she said. “Together, we can continue to support cancer patients and their families when they need it most.”
