Thanks to those who made relay a success

What an awesome community we live in. This year's Relay for Life at Lampe Park on July 25 and 26 brought in more than $112,000 that is going to fund cancer research and provide patient support. This dollar number is increasing every day as teams hold their final fundraisers. This is truly incredible, in light of the economy, but not surprising, given the passion, camaraderie, strength, and commitment of the people of Douglas County.

As this year's event chair I'd like to send out a huge thanks to all the amazing volunteers, participants, and sponsors that made this year's event such a success.

To all the devoted committee members and team: Anna Bishow, Chris Beard, Niki Neilon, Renea Louie, Debbie McFadden, Craig and Stacey Ziglar, Cathy and Michael Keeney, Deborah Sharman, Corky Goldade, Maria Whittern, Victoria Grathwohl, Kathi Shoemaker, Linda Fields, Tannis Andrews-Causey, Lynn Williams, Jonel Neddenreip, Rachel Lampkin, Sandy Garren, Joy McFadden, Jennifer Kashuba and Misti Kimball.

To all of our hard-working team captains: Tammy Dunn, Teresa Manning, Lori Salvador, Nicola Neilon, Jeremy Davidson, Victoria Grathwohl, Danielle Hollinger, Sarah Gullarte, Sarah Pabon, Maria Whittern, Paula Corley, Jonel Neddenreip, Jackie Saul, Casey Braun, Jeff Schemenaur, Dani and Desi Bennett, Janie Lowe, Howard Jachens, Casey Barnes, Angela Campagna, Theresa DeGraffenreid, Karen Ellison, Tannis Andrews-Causey, Josh Minter, Kelly Goodson, Barry Simpson, Jim Norton, Victoria Joncas, Tammy Beltran, Ruth Paige, Nancy Hollenbach, Daisy Morgan, Lynne Caginia, Nikki Warren, Dana Dolan, Audrey Wilson, Christina Rodriguez, Heleyna Traquina, Jon Mustacchio, Jimmy Mickler, Leona Justinich, Stephanie Rutherdale, Gregory Leonard, Pamela Pugliese, Sharon Beller, Stacey Ziglar, Shirley Hanson, Debbie McFadden, Britney Bishow, Sheri Battcher, Kathy Shoemaker, Deborah Sharman, Karen Creel, Belinda Hubkey, Rachel Lampkin, Theresa Hickman and Alicia Mann.

To all our sponsors: GE Energy, JCP Enterprises, Scolari's, Douglas County Parks & Recreation, Ironwood Cinemas, The Record-Courier, Tumblewind Antiques and Collectibles, Carson Valley Men's Active 20-30 Club, Walmart, Corley Ranch, Maddi's Freisian Ranch, Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare, Country Financial, Carson Valley Medical Center, Minden Emergency Care/Physician Select Management, Raley's, Re/Max Realty Affiliates, Wells Fargo Bank, Christensen Automotive, Century 21 Clark Properties, Gerald L. Cottrell, M.D., Lira's Market, Tahoe Fracture and Orthopedic, Starbucks, and Sierra View Dental Center.

Our wonderful survivor dinner sponsors: Rancho Grande, Saletti's, Topaz Lodge and Casino, Wildhorse Bar & Grill, Pizza Barn, Carson Valley Country Club, Smith's Food & Drug, ND Model Dairy.

Our early rising breakfast sponsors St. Gall Knights of Columbus, Valley Golf Shop- Louie Family, Oroweat, and Model Dairy.

A special thanks to 7-Up Bottling Co., A Wildflower, Ahern Rentals, Aramark, Bing Materials, Budweiser, Carson Valley Golf Course, Carson Valley Inn, Carson Valley Sertoma Club, Cleavage Creek Winery, Coca Cola Bottling Co., Crown Beverage, Crystal Ice, Douglas Disposal, Genoa Lakes Golf Club & Resort, Home Depot, Marcello's, Meeks, Nev/Cal Porta-Potties, Papa Murphy's Pizza, Pepsi, Pepsi-Cola Bottling, Pizza Barn, Pizza Factory, Scolari's, Sierra View Equipment, Silver State Liquor, Southern Wine & Spirits, The Entertainer, Topaz Lake Fire Department, Topaz Lodge, AT&T, VON, Barton Memorial Hospital, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Bird's Landing Sport Clays, Brenn Hill, Butch Pearson Woodworks, Capital Beverage, Capital City Clays, Carson Valley Recycling, Claire Bridwell, Costco, Curves, Dan Kimm, DePuy Mitek, Dick Fuller O'Brien Paints, Dr. Robertson & Lake Tahoe Orthopedic Inst., Eagle Valley Golf Course, Ed Murray, Empire Ranch Golf Course, Farmers Insurance, St. Gall's Father Paul McCollum, Francisco's, Frito Lay, Galaxy Theaters, Gun Trader, Hamdogs, IHOP, Indigo, Iron Horse Bar & Grill, Johnny's Roadhouse Grill, Jon and Paula Corley, Lake Tahoe Surgery Center, Les Schwab Tires, Lesa Larkin-Cabi, Lira's Market, Lisa Thomas, Little People Portraits, Luce & Sons, Main Connection, Mike Howell-East Fork Fire District, Northwest Martial Arts, Explorer's Color Guard, Carson Valley Christian Pastor John Jackson, Pam Mann, Perdiz Sports Shooting, Quiznos, Rosy's, Smith Valley Subs, Scheels Sports, Sharkey's, Swire Coca-Cola, Tanning Etc., The Car Wash, Tires Plus, Trader Joe's, Tropical Tan, Ted Nagel, Britney Kashuba and friends, Dianne Edmonds, Mike Grimes, Mike Biaggini, Lori Harper, Elaine and Karen Brockage, and Whit Landvater.

Our deepest gratitude goes out to all the survivors and caregivers who model the courage and ability necessary to deal with adversity. You are the heart of relay.

Katrina Rowe is chairwoman of the 2009 Relay for Life