Lake Buena Vista Relay Celebrates 20 Years Fighting Cancer

When Yamile Rivera's mother received a stage four lymphoma diagnosis in 2008 with just six months to live, Rivera knew exactly who to call. As a 30-year volunteer with the American Cancer Society, she reached their 24/7 helpline and connected her mom to life-saving resources, including a cell transplant at Moffitt Cancer Center that gave them 10 more precious years together.

Now Rivera honors that gift by co-leading Relay for Life of Lake Buena Vista, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on Saturday, March 28. The event runs from 2 to 10 p.m. near District Fire Department Station No. 4 at 1920 E. Buena Vista Drive.

"I got to live a full life with my mom, treated her to many cruises and wonderful things," Rivera said. "I feel like I owe them for those 10 wonderful years I had with mom."

Rivera's personal connection runs even deeper now. Her husband is a prostate cancer survivor, and her brother currently battles stage four colorectal cancer, giving her even more reasons to make the event meaningful for others walking similar paths.

About 30 teams with 10 to 20 members each have registered for this year's Wizard of Oz-themed celebration. The event kicks off with a survivor lap, where cancer survivors wear purple sashes and medals while taking the first walk around the track.

Throughout the day, teams pass a "spirit wand" during laps with names like "Over the Rainbow" and "Glinda's Bubble Lap." Dance performances from Orlando Cloggers and Performer's Edge Dance Center fill the spaces between walks, with musical artist Kit Citrine performing at 5:15 p.m.

Why This Inspires

The relay's true power goes beyond the nearly $40,000 already raised. Every dollar funds the ACS helpline that speaks 13 languages and offers financial assistance, referrals, and second opinions to families in crisis.

The evening's highlight comes at 9 p.m. when customized luminarias light up around the track. Each lantern honors someone lost to cancer, someone still fighting, or a devoted caregiver. Attendees walk a silent lap during a memorial slideshow before fireworks close the night.

Rivera and her team will spend 14 hours setting up and running the event, but the exhaustion means nothing compared to the hope created. "Medicine's great, research is great, doctors are wonderful," Rivera said. "But the support you get from walking around the track and knowing that you're not alone. Our survivors leave there on cloud nine."

The relay proves that gratitude can become action, and action can become hope for countless families beginning their own cancer journeys.