Karen Pearman Named Global Hero Of Hope
Karen Pearman has been named the 2026 Global Hero of Hope by Relay For Life Bermuda.
A spokesperson said, “As Relay For Life Bermuda enters its 13th year, the event organizers are proud to announce Karen Pearman as the 2026 Global Hero of Hope, a role that honours cancer survivors and caregivers who represent courage, resilience, and hope within their local community.
“Relay For Life Bermuda has grown into one of the island’s most powerful community movements since its inception in 2014. What began as a single overnight event has evolved into a national tradition, bringing together survivors, caregivers, families, businesses, and volunteers to celebrate life, remember loved ones, and raise critical funds to support cancer care in Bermuda.”
“Relay For Life Bermuda is driven by people, their stories, their strength, and their unbreakable bonds that unite us in unwavering commitment to one another” said Azuree Williams, Event Lead of Relay For Life Bermuda. “Karen Pearman embodies everything Relay stands for. Her journey as a survivor and her dedication to living with intention and hope make her a powerful ambassador for this year’s campaign.”
About the 2026 Hero of Hope
The spokesperson said, “Karen Pearman was nominated by Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre and selected by Relay For Life Bermuda as the 2026 Global Hero of Hope for Bermuda in recognition of her personal cancer journey and her passion for wellness, balance, and living fully beyond diagnosis. As a Hero of Hope, Karen will help inspire participants throughout the Relay season, sharing the message that survivorship is possible and that community support changes lives.
“Ten years ago, Karen was diagnosed with stage-four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after months of unexplained symptoms and delayed diagnosis. Her cancer was confirmed through testing in Bermuda and advanced imaging in Boston, where immediate treatment was required. She underwent months of intensive chemotherapy in Bermuda, along with specialized treatments overseas.”
“In those early days, everything moved very fast,” Ms Pearman said. “It was frightening and overwhelming — but I knew I had to fight.”
The spokesperson said, “After completing treatment, Karen received a clean bill of health and today marks ten years cancer-free. Now, she uses her story to advocate for early detection, patient persistence, and compassionate listening within healthcare.”
“Early detection saves lives,” she said. “But so does being heard. I share my story to encourage others to trust their instincts and keep advocating for their health.”
The spokesperson said, “As Hero of Hope, Karen represents the resilience, faith, and strength that define Bermuda’s Relay For Life community.
“As part of this honour, Karen will also represent Bermuda within the wider Relay For Life community: highlighting the strength, compassion, and unity that define the island’s approach to cancer support.
2026 Theme: Waves of Hope
“The 2026 Relay For Life Bermuda theme, Waves of Hope, reflects the powerful truth that every action, no matter how small, creates impact.
“With the slogan ‘Together, we create ripples that change lives,’ the theme was chosen to honour the quiet strength of survivors, the unseen sacrifices of caregivers, and the collective force of a community that continues to show up, year after year.
“Cancer touches everyone differently, sometimes like a sudden wave, other times like a slow tide that reshapes life forever. Waves of Hope reminds us that hope is not a single moment, but a movement. Every lap walked, every dollar raised, every name remembered sends ripples outward reaching families, funding care, and shaping a future where no one faces cancer alone.
Relay For Life Bermuda 2026 Launch
“This announcement coincides with the official launch of Relay For Life Bermuda 2026, including the unveiling of the new theme and the opening of registration.
“As of January 10, 2026, the Relay For Life Bermuda website is live, allowing individuals and teams to:
- Register to participate
- Form or join teams
- Fundraise in support of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s Equal Access Fund
- Learn more about survivorship, caregiving, volunteering, sponsoring and remembrance activities
“Website: https://www.bermudarelay.bm
“The 2026 Relay season will continue to build on the momentum of the past 13 years reminding Bermuda that every step taken, every dollar raised, and every story shared contributes to a future filled with more hope and better outcomes for all.”
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