Corteva Hawaii formed its first Relay for Life team in 2003 called the Bird Watchers. The team name and members have evolved over the years and it’s now known as Team Purple Palooza (purple because it’s the color of Relay for Life and “palooza” because the team always has a lot of fun when they fundraise!).
This year, the Corteva Hawaii team consists of about seven people, however, there are a handful of people that drive this team. Team captain Lindsay Hashimoto says they wouldn’t be able to function without their creativity, hard work and dedication. Mahalo to Allison Toma, Wendy Kishida, Denise Moriguchi, Connie Nagata and Tiffani Hull. Many of these members have been involved for 7 to 14 years!
The pandemic has had a big impact on Relay for Life, especially since the signature Relay for Life event usually involves staying up all night, walking laps on the track, selling food, listening to music, lighting luminaries, and having fun. The in-person event was substituted for a virtual event last year and will again go virtual this year on September 11. Luminarias were sold to employees to honor friends and family who have lost their battle, are still fighting their battle, or have survived their battle with cancer. Each team’s luminaria bags were shown at the virtual event to create an incredibly touching show.
The Relay for Life movement is the American Cancer Society’s main fundraiser dedicated to helping communities in their fight against cancer. Typically, the Relay for Life Kauai at Hanapepe event goes from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. once a year, with approximately 40 teams participating. While we were sad to not be there in person last year and again this year, we are happy to contribute to the fight against cancer. Since cancer isn't stopping for COVID, we aren't either. We just have to change how we do things a little.
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