Relay teams raise $100,000 for cancer research

by Sheila Gardner

sgardner@recordcourier.com

Douglas County's Relay for Life organizer Katrina Rowe expects to collect at least $100,000 from the fundraiser for cancer research by Aug. 31.

Rowe estimated Tuesday that 1,200 people attended the two-day event last weekend at Lampe Park.

"We were just thrilled," she said. "It was a great event put on by volunteers from all walks of life throughout our community. Even in these tough economic times, we had no problems whatsoever to make it the success it was."

Rowe said every dollar raised goes to cancer research.

"We had 63 teams this year. We tried starting a little earlier this year to try something different. We'll see if we want to do that next year."

She mentioned the Knights of Columbus, Rite of Passage, Sertoma, Douglas County Parks & Recreation and John and Paula Corley as just a few of the volunteers who helped make the event a success.

Despite the threat of thunderstorms on Saturday, the weather didn't interfere with the festivities.

"We had maybe a couple of rain drops, but we didn't have any problems," Rowe said.

Mary Biaggini opened the luminaria ceremony with a speech in memory of her husband, Douglas County Sheriff's Capt. Mike Biaggini, who died in February after a nine-year battle with colon cancer.

Mike Biaggini had participated in Relay every year.

"Relay for Life meant so much to Mike because Relay embodies the spirit of helping and guiding those with a fear most people don't even begin to understand," Mary Biaggini said. "That is why my family will continue to be a part of the warriors and caregivers who unite against cancer."

She singled out the families, friends and caregivers and talked about what a privilege it had been to walk with her husband on his journey.

"As caregivers, we are angels in disguise, often behind the scenes, sharing our gifts in silence, offering our strength while trying to remain strong. Cancer leaves us feeling like we do not have what we need, but you are not alone. There is an entire network of people out here. We are here to help in any way we can, to lend support, assistance, or just a helping hand," she said.

Biaggini and her 9-year-old son Michael led the luminaria walk with family and friends, escorted by sheriff's Honor Guard members deputies Leland Love and Rick Sousa.

Hundreds of people walked the quarter-mile track in silence, illuminated by glow sticks and the luminaria bags decorated in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those lost to the disease.

Teams walked the track throughout the 24-hour event. Four turns around the track equaled a mile.

"We had a couple of guys who went 34 miles," Rowe said. "They had a little competition going,"

She said teams would continue fundraising through Aug. 31.

Anyone who wants to make a donation can call her at (775) 750-3468 or donate directly to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.