On the warm spring evening of April 18, 2025, downtown Statesboro glowed with luminaries, laughter, and love as it hosted this year’s Relay for Life. Streets were lined with booths, banners, and beaming faces as survivors, caregivers, families, and volunteers gathered to honor those affected by cancer and raise critical funds for the American Cancer Society.
This year’s theme was unity and healing—for survivors and the often-unsung heroes who stand beside them: the caregivers. “We’re doing something a little different than we’ve done in the past,” explained Lori Wiggins, a lead organizer of the event. “We’re recognizing our caregivers—those just as important as the cancer survivor. We’ve decided to do a special lap for them and present them with a gift from their cancer survivor, or in remembrance if they’ve lost their person.”
This new caregiver lap brought tears and cheers as survivors held hands with their supporters, many donning matching shirts or handmade signs. It followed the traditional first lap of the evening—the Survivor Lap, where those who’ve battled and beaten cancer take a powerful, emotional walk that symbolizes triumph, resilience, and hope.
Afterward, each team ensured someone remained walking throughout the event, representing the continuous fight against cancer. The community support was evident in every corner of the event, with participation from local businesses, organizations, and individuals.
Between 10 and 17 teams joined forces to help reach this year’s ambitious fundraising goal of $65,000, which seems more attainable each year thanks to Statesboro’s dedicated community. “We couldn’t do it without them,” Lori said. “Everyone has been amazing. We’ve even got one of the radio guys, Travis Bilger, volunteering for the dunk booth—he’s promoting it himself! I’m so blessed to have the people we do. Our community always shows up.”
Among the survivors walking was Heather Gonzales, a breast cancer survivor celebrating ten years of being cancer-free. “Coming back here again helps me connect with warriors who are fighting now, with other survivors, caregivers, and people who’ve lost loved ones,” she shared. “It feeds my soul.”
Heather underwent radiation and several surgeries during her treatment. Today, she returns to Relay to celebrate her survival and to give back the same support she once received. “It’s not just about raising money—it’s about being there for people. It’s about telling someone, ‘I made it through, and so can you.’”
Another survivor, Ashley Jacobski, is just beginning her journey. Diagnosed with Stage Two thyroid cancer in December 2023 after a long two-year search for answers, Ashley found the Relay for Life to be a transformative experience. “Being involved with Relay helps me feel seen and heard and validated,” she said. “It gives me hope that I’m a survivor and that I can do anything.” Her advice to others facing a diagnosis: “Don’t give up—just seek out your people, a village to help you get through the day.”
Student organizations also played a major role in the evening’s success. Stephanie Ducre of the Iota Iota Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. attended raising funds and awareness. “Each year, we try to come out and give back,” she said. “My grandmother passed from pancreatic cancer years ago, and this is how I stay connected to her and support others.” She smiled as she watched people walk by, many waving or clapping for survivors. “Meeting the survivors and seeing the volunteers that come out and participate—it’s inspiring.”
From Georgia Southern University, Molly Balducci, a Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society member, said the event opened her eyes. “I think it’s had a huge impact,” she said. “Seeing the survivor lap, then the support lap... it’s just beautiful to see all the people who have come out, even those who may not personally know someone affected by cancer but are still here supporting the cause.”
As the sun set, the spiritual heart of the event came to life through music, prayer, and heartfelt stories. Leading the opening prayer was Jeremiah Holmes, a Georgia Southern University football player who wears jersey number 38. Jeremiah spoke with sincerity and strength. “I just wanted to come out and share some good words,” he said. “Prayer and belief are a great part of healing.
It’s not just for the patient—it comforts the whole family. As it says in the Bible, the woman touched the hem of His garment—that faith that connection is powerful.” Jeremiah, a member of Crossroads Community Church, believes his role goes beyond the football field. “This is a community, and we support each other not just in wins and losses but in life.”
As families strolled beneath the glow of string lights and music played softly in the background, luminary bags lit up the path—each representing a loved one lost, a battle fought, or a prayer for healing. People gathered around, holding hands or walking silently, some with tears, others with smiles.
When asked how much planning it takes to pull off such a large-scale event, Lori Wiggins didn’t hesitate: “I’ll take a two-week break after tonight, and then I’ll start planning for next year. It takes about six to eight months to put it all together. But it’s worth it.” Indeed, every hug shared, dollar raised, and lap walked was a step closer to a world without cancer. Relay for Life is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement, a community, and a tribute to strength in all its forms.
On April 18, in downtown Statesboro, hundreds came together to prove one thing: Hope lives here.