Relay For Life of Western Tidewater

Ewok This Way

My name is Kristie Anderson, and in May 2024, my galaxy lost one of its brightest stars. My beloved husband, Ben, passed away after a devastating battle with cancer. What he thought was just “wear and tear” from the trials of everyday life turned out to be something far more sinister—a dark side that none of us saw coming.


An MRI revealed countless lesions and a tumor on his spine, leading us into a battle we never expected. His follow-up appointment with the orthopedist became an immediate hospital admission. Surgery stabilized compression fractures in his back, but it wasn’t enough to stop the relentless advance of this enemy. Ben was diagnosed with a rare adenocarcinoma of unknown primary origin. It was already stage 4, widespread, and as aggressive as the Empire itself.


For 91 days, Ben fought with the bravery of a Jedi facing impossible odds. He endured hospital stays, unimaginable pain, numbness in his legs, three blood transfusions, three rounds of chemotherapy, 10 days of radiation therapy, and countless scans and labs. Despite our prayers and hope, this invisible foe claimed his life. From diagnosis on February 28th to his last breath on May 28th, cancer showed no mercy. It was swift, devastating, and we had no warning. Ben had always been healthy, active, and vibrant.


In the wake of this unimaginable loss, my family, friends, and I banded together like the Rebel Alliance to fight back. In June 2024, we started a Relay for Life team to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s support services and lifesaving research. The idea came from my sister-in-law, and it felt like the perfect way to honor Ben’s legacy while fighting for a future where no one has to endure this battle.


Ben was the ultimate Star Wars fan. He loved everything about that galaxy far, far away—books, movies, characters, quotes, lore, all of it. That’s why we named our team “Ewok This Way” and embraced a Star Wars theme. I know Ben would have loved it. Just as the Ewoks brought down the mighty Empire with grit and determination, we’re determined to fight cancer with everything we’ve got.


No one should have to face the pain, fear, and loss that cancer brings. Our mission is clear: a cure for cancer, and nothing less. Every dollar donated is a step closer to victory in this galactic battle. So we’re asking for your help. Join our team or donate today. Because together, with hope as our lightsaber, we can bring balance to the Force and defeat cancer once and for all.


May the Force be with us all.


Ewok This Way - Join Team Raised
Bronze Club Personal Donation Made Kristie Anderson $300.00
Julie Turner $0.00
Barbara Babb $0.00
Sierra Dalton $0.00
Penny Darm $0.00
Dennis Self $0.00
Michael Westnedge $0.00
Team Gifts $427.38
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Help the American Cancer Society fund cancer research, patient support, and advocacy efforts to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

$727.38 raised of $6000 goal

221 days left

My name is Kristie Anderson, and in May 2024, my galaxy lost one of its brightest stars. My beloved husband, Ben, passed away after a devastating battle with cancer. What he thought was just “wear and tear” from the trials of everyday life turned out to be something far more sinister—a dark side that none of us saw coming.


An MRI revealed countless lesions and a tumor on his spine, leading us into a battle we never expected. His follow-up appointment with the orthopedist became an immediate hospital admission. Surgery stabilized compression fractures in his back, but it wasn’t enough to stop the relentless advance of this enemy. Ben was diagnosed with a rare adenocarcinoma of unknown primary origin. It was already stage 4, widespread, and as aggressive as the Empire itself.


For 91 days, Ben fought with the bravery of a Jedi facing impossible odds. He endured hospital stays, unimaginable pain, numbness in his legs, three blood transfusions, three rounds of chemotherapy, 10 days of radiation therapy, and countless scans and labs. Despite our prayers and hope, this invisible foe claimed his life. From diagnosis on February 28th to his last breath on May 28th, cancer showed no mercy. It was swift, devastating, and we had no warning. Ben had always been healthy, active, and vibrant.


In the wake of this unimaginable loss, my family, friends, and I banded together like the Rebel Alliance to fight back. In June 2024, we started a Relay for Life team to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s support services and lifesaving research. The idea came from my sister-in-law, and it felt like the perfect way to honor Ben’s legacy while fighting for a future where no one has to endure this battle.


Ben was the ultimate Star Wars fan. He loved everything about that galaxy far, far away—books, movies, characters, quotes, lore, all of it. That’s why we named our team “Ewok This Way” and embraced a Star Wars theme. I know Ben would have loved it. Just as the Ewoks brought down the mighty Empire with grit and determination, we’re determined to fight cancer with everything we’ve got.


No one should have to face the pain, fear, and loss that cancer brings. Our mission is clear: a cure for cancer, and nothing less. Every dollar donated is a step closer to victory in this galactic battle. So we’re asking for your help. Join our team or donate today. Because together, with hope as our lightsaber, we can bring balance to the Force and defeat cancer once and for all.


May the Force be with us all.


Thank You to All The Donors

Thank you for fueling the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer.

Donate to Save Lives

Event Details

Date: Saturday, September 20th

Location: Smithfield, VA

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How Fundraising Impacts Your Community

Cancer hits far too close to home, so the funds you raise will help do the same. Through services and resources like free rides to chemo, free places to stay near hospitals, and a live 24/7 helpline, cancer patients and their families will feel the love. Here’s how recent money raised has been put to incredible uses.

Since 1991 we have invested $3.43 billion in cancer research.

We have received over 360,000 calls and chats from patients and caregivers seeking support in 2023.

Cancer patients benefited from the ACS transportation support through our Road To Recovery program and transportation grants in 2023, with nearly 769,000 rides provided.

Our Sponsors

Many thanks to our generous sponsors for fueling the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer.

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Fundraisers earn points for every dollar raised to redeem for Relay products and swag through Relay Rewards. You can also purchase Relay gear through the ACS Event Shop.

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Cancer has touched all of us in some way. And we want to stop this disease in its tracks. We'll spend the next few weeks fundraising for the American Cancer Society. Then, on the day of the event, we'll honor the lives lost to cancer, celebrate survivors, and support the caregivers who so selflessly help others.  

Together, we'll be a part of making a difference in this important cause.

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Relay For Life of Western Tidewater
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