The Global Relay For Life Leadership Team is proud to officially announce the Global Heroes of Hope – Class of 2026. This inspiring group of 19 survivors and caregivers from 11 countries represents the heart of the Relay movement across six continents.
The Global Relay For Life Heroes of Hope Program profiles cancer survivors and caregivers whose work exemplifies the mission of their country’s cancer organization and Relay For Life. Heroes of Hope inspire hope, courage, and determination in the mission to eliminate cancer. They demonstrate resilience and encourage others to take a proactive and positive stance on cancer survivorship.
As ambassadors of their country’s cancer organization, Heroes of Hope inspire fellow survivors and caregivers around the world and expand the bounds of survivorship. These volunteers lead efforts to grow Relay For Life in their communities, increase participation, and encourage others to take action.
Representing communities across Australia, Bermuda, India, Ireland, Japan, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, the United States, and Zambia, the Class of 2026 stands as a powerful reminder that we are united in one global mission.
Global Heroes of Hope – Class of 2026
| Country | Partner Organization | Global Hero(es) of Hope |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Cancer Council Australia | Denise Hearn, Grant Hearn |
| Bermuda | Cancer Society of Bermuda | Karen Pearman |
| India | Indian Cancer Society | Gunjan Jotkar |
| Ireland | Irish Cancer Society | Karen Langton |
| Japan | Japan Cancer Society | Mitsue Hamabata, Noriaki Ishizuka, Emiko Kikuchi |
| Portugal | Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro | Rita Andrade, Ana Pimentel, Ana Silva |
| Singapore | Singapore Cancer Society | Sze Hui Ong |
| South Africa | Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) | Izak Bellingan, Lavona Nicolette Spiers, Vivienne Van Der Schuur, Elza-Marie Van Lille |
| Trinidad & Tobago | Trinidad & Tobago Cancer Society | Marsha Daniel-Joseph |
| United States | American Cancer Society | Debra Nickless |
| Zambia | Zambian Cancer Society | Charity Sakala |
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For more information or to request a Global Hero of Hope to speak at your event, please email
[email protected].