Here’s a bold statement: Cancer touches every one of us, and yet, it’s an event like Relay For Life that reminds us of the power of community and hope. But here’s where it gets controversial—while we’ve made strides in some cancers, others remain stubbornly resistant to treatment, leaving us to question: Are we doing enough? And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about fundraising; it’s about standing together, remembering those we’ve lost, and fighting for a future where cancer is no longer a death sentence.
The Lismore and Villages Relay For Life 2026 is just over four weeks away, with the event set for Saturday, March 21. The Cancer Council and the local organizing committee are calling on individuals and teams to join hands at the Southern Cross University sports field for an 8-hour walkathon. The goal? To raise a vital $60,000 for cancer research, prevention, and support services. As of now, the tally stands at $12,717, but every dollar counts. You can donate here or register to participate here. Registration fees are $25 for adults, $15 for ages 8–17, and $60 for a family of two adults and two kids. Children under 7 and survivors/carers participating in the first lap only are free.
Former Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell, a breast cancer survivor diagnosed in 2008, is no stranger to this event. She participated in the inaugural Relay For Life 25 years ago in memory of a close friend who succumbed to cancer. Now, she’s back as the Survivors and Carers Coordinator, supported by the canteen manager from Lismore High’s Rivers Secondary College campus. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Should events like Relay For Life focus more on celebrating survivors or on honoring those we’ve lost? Jenny’s perspective is clear: it’s about both.
This year’s event holds special significance. After a hiatus due to COVID-19 and the loss of several community members tied to the event, Jenny and the committee decided to bring it back to commemorate 25 years of Relay For Life in Lismore. And this is the part most people miss—this relay includes a unique ‘Living with Cancer’ sash, a special request from someone who passed after the 2020 event, feeling unrepresented. It’s a powerful reminder of the diversity of experiences within the cancer community.
The day begins at 1 pm with the first lap dedicated to survivors, carers, and those living with cancer, while others cheer from the sidelines. Jenny, who plans to complete as much of the lap as possible, even if it means using a stick or a wheelchair, shares, ‘I’ve got a close friend in a similar situation, and we’ll walk and support each other.’ It’s not a race—there are no winners, just a shared journey of reflection.
But it’s not all solemnity. The event features live music, an MC, and the hilarious ‘Miss Relay’ segment, where men from each team dress up as women to collect donations from local pubs and clubs. The afternoon and evening also include a candlelight vigil, where participants line the track with bags containing battery-operated lights, creating a silent walk to remember loved ones lost to cancer. Here’s a controversial interpretation: Does the focus on remembrance overshadow the need for urgent action in cancer research?
Funds raised will support local initiatives like transportation for treatment, financial aid, counseling, and legal advice, as well as critical research. ‘We’ve made huge inroads with cancers like cervical and breast, but others, like pancreatic and brain cancers, still need a lot of work,’ Jenny explains. ‘We can’t just be an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. We need someone at the top, too.’
Adding to the excitement, there’s a raffle with prizes like $2000 in fuel, a weekend getaway at the Ramada, and more. Food and coffee vans will be on-site, and the Lions Club will be grilling their famous sausage sandwiches. With ample parking available, the event promises to be both meaningful and enjoyable.
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think events like Relay For Life do enough to balance hope with the harsh realities of cancer? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going. And remember, whether you walk, donate, or simply show up, you’re part of something bigger. Let’s make this Relay For Life one to remember.
