Williamsburg’s Relay For Life is a reminder that no one fights cancer alone

More than 2,500 Relay For Life events are held around the country to support and celebrate survivors and caregivers. Courtesy of Christine Steen

By Kim O'Brien Root | kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com | Staff writer

UPDATED: May 29, 2024 at 10:57 a.m.

Christine Steen’s journey with Relay For Life began when she lost a dear friend to cancer 18 years ago.

“I wanted to do something to help,” she said simply.

She joined another friend who was volunteering, and the rest is history. In the years since then, the James City County resident has raised thousands of dollars for the annual event, which is part of a global effort to support the American Cancer Society.

Steen’s team is one of 35 teams that have been raising money for this year’s Relay For Life of Williamsburg, which is culminating Friday night at Lafayette High School. With just a few days left until the signature event, the teams have raised nearly $90,000 toward the local relay’s $100,000 goal.

The Williamsburg relay runs from 5 p.m. to midnight on the high school’s football field on Longhill Road. It kicks off with a survivor dinner (free for survivors and one guest with registration), followed by a survivors’ lap around the field and a dove release. The 6:45 p.m. dove release leads into the opening ceremony and more festivities.

“People pay $100 to have the name of someone they are remembering or honoring read out loud and then the doves are released to the song ‘Amazing Grace,’” said Sue Hassan, who is helping with the relay. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

As part of the relay, teams take turns walking the track throughout the event. This year’s theme is: “There is no holiday from cancer.” Toward the end of the night, luminarias are lit to honor and remember loved ones.

More than 2,500 Relay For Life events are held around the country to support and celebrate survivors and caregivers. Funds raised go to cancer research, advocacy and patient care programs.

As part of her fundraising efforts for Relay For Life, Christine Steen and her husband hold a music event called Tartans and Tie Dye. Courtesy of Christine Steen

Steen’s team, Team Shenanigans, has raised almost $5,000 this year. Since 2015, she and her husband, Michael, have held a yearly music event called Tartans and Tie Dyes, during which local Grateful Dead-influenced bands and Celtic groups donate their time to perform.

“We’ve grown steadily every year,” Steen said, with “great support” from the Williamsburg music community. “Over the years, our reason for sticking with it has evolved as both my husband and I lost our moms to cancer within a year of each other.”

So far, about 325 people have registered for Friday, and more are welcome, Hassan said, even if it’s just to attend the survivor dinner and be recognized. Those interested can register on the website or simply show up.

“As we always say at the event, cancer touches everyone,” Steen said. “No one is immune to its painful reach. We continue to fight so more families can stay whole.”

To register for Relay For Life of Williamsburg, see the schedule of events or make a donation, visit secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=108046. Fundraising does not stop Friday, but goes on throughout the year.

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com