‘May the Cure Be with You’: Join the movement to rebel against cancer during 2026 Relay For Life Big Island

It’s more than a walk. It’s a movement. And this year’s Relay For Life Big Island invites the community to join the American Cancer Society movement to rebel against cancer.

But that fight doesn’t happen a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. It’s waged every day, right here — everywhere.

Big Island Relayers are a force of their own, however, and in 2026 they are sending a prayer of “May the Cure Be with You” to cancer patients, their caregivers, friends and families.

The annual Relay For Life Big Island is scheduled for 4 to 9 p.m. July 18 at its new site of Edith Kanakaʻole Tennis Stadium, located at 350 Kalanikoa St., in Hilo. The “Star Wars” themed evening is one nobody will want to miss.

“Every one of us has been touched by cancer in some way,” says an announcement for this year’s Relay on Big Island Events at Big Island Now. “Friends, relatives, caregivers, survivors, we all use our special passion to help the American Cancer Society end cancer as we know it — for everyone.”

This year marks the 34th year Big Island community members will gather in support of the American Cancer Society’s vision while celebrating those who survived the dark side that is cancer and honoring the people who cared for those who won their fight and the dedicated caregivers still giving their all to help those still battling.

The community will band together, raising funds for direct support of breakthrough cancer research, advocacy for public health laws and free local support such as free rides to chemotherapy, free temporary housing near hospitals and 24/7 cancer support helpline.

Relay also provides an opportunity to remember loved ones lost to the scourge of cancer.

“Celebrate. Remember. Fight back,” organizers said in the calendar announcement.

The event kicks off with the Survivors Lap. Cheer on Big Island cancer survivors as they take the first lap of this year’s Relay. Bring noise makers, pom-poms or anything you’d bring to a pep rally to be loud and proud for the people who fought the dark side and won.

Caregivers are invited to join survivors for the second lap of the night as participants, Relay teams and community members cheer for the friends, family members, healthcare workers and others who helped a cancer patient, regardless if they are still here.

Other themed laps and contests during the 2026 Relay For Life Big Island include:

• Color Lap: Wear the color of the cancer by which you were or are most impacted.
• Force Lap: Bring pictures, banners or posters of the reason you Relay.
• Glow Lap: Become a symbol of hope by helping light up the night during the closing lap.
• Costume Contest: Participate in the “Star Wars” costume contest.
• Best Decorated Site: Showcase your galactic creativity and compete for the title of Best Decorated Site.

After sunset, luminaria in honor — or memory — of a loved one are lit to light the darkness in remembrance of the people lost to cancer while reflecting on the journeys of those who survived.

Luminaria can be purchased before this weekend’s Relay or during the event.

Relay For Life bands the community together to fight back — and the more participating, the better.

Everyone is encouraged to bring themselves, their families, their friends and anyone else they know to attend to support fundraising efforts.

There’s also still a way you can help if you can’t make it to Saturday’s event: donate online.

Gas-fueled devices, bikes or e-bikes, glass bottles or containers, pets and skateboards are not allowed during the Relay. Participants support the movement with their own, walking laps throughout the night.

The American Cancer Society contributed to almost every major cancer research breakthrough throughout the past 110 years. Relay For Life events for the past 40-plus years around the globe had a hand in that, empowering communities to make a difference through celebrating victories, honoring loved ones and sharing their stories.

“But we still have work to do,” says the American Cancer Society Relay For Life website. “Join the movement today … .”

Relay For Life is the only global walk that stands for every cancer while participants walk for every life.

Contact Kittrin Cade at 800-227-2345 or via email at kittrin.cade@cancer.org for additional information or with any questions about Relay For Life Big Island.

Don’t let the dark side win.

Set a course for Hilo and jump to hyperspace for this year’s Relay For Life Big Island.

Be sure to bring every bit of your enthusiasm and hope to activate your purple lightsaber of support, dedication and tenacity for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.

Make sure there is no doubt about which side of the force — and movement — you stand.