Bermuda has a long tradition of rallying behind a good cause, but perhaps nowhere is our community spirit more visible than in the fight against cancer.
Annual events like Relay for Life, the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and St Baldrick’s don’t just raise millions of dollars to help ensure people can get the treatment they need – they also show how our island cares about its people.
Father-of-two Dave Stewart is one example.
Mr Stewart, 44, shaved his flowing locks at this year’s St Baldrick’s event, in support of his father, Jock Stewart, who has recently undergone cancer treatment and is now in remission.
“It brings cancer closer to home when you see someone you love go through it,” Mr Stewart said.
“Having my hair shaved off didn’t cost me anything – and, if anything, it was good timing as it was nice to have short hair in the summer!”
Mr Stewart raised more than $11,000, thanks to generous donations including a large contribution from Renaissance Re, where his wife Renha is an employee.
The annual St Baldrick’s event – in which people shave their heads in solidarity with children affected by cancer – aims to open conversations about childhood cancer and the importance of research.
Since Bermuda’s first St Baldrick’s event in 2002, local participants have raised more than $8 million.
Most funds raised here support childhood cancer research through the St Baldrick’s Foundation, with 10 per cent granted back to Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s SunSmart programme, which educates children and families on sun-safe behaviour.
Across all fundraising events in 2025, $1.6 million was generated for Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, supporting patient care, prevention programmes, equipment, infrastructure and other strategic priorities.
Deborah Titterton Narraway, chief marketing and fundraising officer, said: “Relay For Life is a major contributor, providing approximately $630,302 in community funding in 2025. But it is only one part of the picture.
“The Allshores Breast Cancer Walk, AXA XL Man on the Run 5K, Movember Bermuda, individual donors, corporate partners and other fundraising initiatives all contribute to the centre’s ability to deliver its charitable mission.”
But it doesn’t stop there. Community fundraising helps the centre invest in the services Bermuda will need tomorrow.
In 2024-2025, $265,977 was raised towards a mammography upgrade and $100,000 was donated by Allied World towards ultrasound expansion.
“These are tangible examples of community support helping to strengthen early detection and diagnostic capability on island,” Ms Titterton Narraway explained.
Participation also has an impact beyond the money raised. These events bring people together, create conversations about cancer, celebrate survivors, remember those we have lost and help keep prevention and early detection visible within our community.
Fundraising allows Bermudian organisations like Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre to put their commitment to equitable access into practice, so patients can focus on their health rather than worrying about whether they can afford a mammogram, ultrasound, breast biopsy or radiation therapy.
Together, these efforts help Bermudians access the care they need regardless of their ability to pay and send an important message to those affected by cancer: you are not facing this alone.
Help is also available to understand a diagnosis or manage an inherited cancer risk, coordinate appointments and referrals, access local and overseas treatment, connect with support services and overcome barriers to care.
When we come together to support one another, even the smallest contribution can help make a lasting difference.
To learn more regarding how you can help visit https://www.cancer.bm.
