JAMAICA Energy Partners (JEP) Group raised just over $5 million in support of the oncology department at Bustamante Hospital for Children through its annual RAYZ for Life 5K, held along the Norbrook loop in St Andrew, on Saturday, July 18.

During the event it was announced that $4.7 million had been raised, but with additional donations in the days that followed the final total was increased, allowing the group to surpass its fund-raising goal of $3 million by 70 per cent.

Held under the theme ‘Finishing What We Started’, this year’s staging built on the previous year’s support for the oncology department, which contributed to the purchase of critical medical equipment.

Now in its fifth year, the RAYZ for Life Cancer Awareness Campaign continues to build momentum, attracting nearly 500 registrants and the support of 30 sponsors committed to advancing cancer care and awareness in Jamaica.

JEP group president and CEO Dr Wayne McKenzie thanked the participants, sponsors and donors whose support made this year’s achievement possible.

“When we talk about children and illness, it is very near and dear to my heart. Bustamante Hospital for Children has become a staple in my life. We believe in supporting Bustamante, not just the oncology department, but the hospital as a whole.

“We could not have achieved this without our participants, sponsors and donors, and I thank each and every one of them for helping us make a meaningful difference,” said McKenzie.

Since its inception in 2022, the RAYZ for Life Cancer Awareness Campaign has become one of JEP Group’s flagship corporate social responsibility initiatives.

With this year’s achievement, the campaign has now raised more than $10.4 million, supporting beneficiaries including the oncology unit at Kingston Public Hospital, the Hope Institute and Spanish Town Hospital.

JEP’s Senior Marketing Officer Moya Mullings reflected on the campaign’s continued growth, as she pointed out that every year, RAYZ for Life reaches more people because they believe in the cause.

“Seeing hundreds of people come together and watching our sponsors, volunteers and participants rally behind this mission was incredibly rewarding. Raising $5.1 million is an extraordinary achievement, but more importantly, it represents lives that will be impacted through improved cancer care. We are deeply thankful to everyone,” said Mullings.

Welcoming the donation, chief executive officer of Bustamante Hospital for Children Anthony Wood said: “To everyone who participated, whether you walked, ran or supported the event in any way, thank you for helping to raise $5.1 million. This contribution will support the oncology department by providing essential equipment to help care for children diagnosed with cancer.