Relay thankful for support

As chairperson of this year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life committee, I would like to thank residents of the Mat-Su Valley for their generosity and support.

Overall, 39 teams participated in this year’s event, raising more than $103,000 for the research, education, advocacy and service efforts of the American Cancer Society.

I want to applaud the 100 survivors who participated in the opening lap and the survivor recognition. They are the reason we continue the fight, because each year more and more people are living wonderful and productive lives following a diagnosis of cancer.

A special thanks to the many Relay For Life volunteers who worked to make this event a success. The Relay For Life committee did an outstanding job of putting the event together. Committee members are Barb Peryam, Brenda Forsythe, Care Tuk, Clara Harris, Crystal Kramer, Jack and Kathy Timm, Jamie Burton, Lori Grey, Margie Gabrielle, Onie Hulse, Sam McKibbin, Sandy Scepurek, Shawn Osborne and Sherrie Smith.

We also appreciate the generosity of this year’s corporate sponsors. Relay For Life would not be possible without them. Our corporate sponsors include the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, KMBQ 99.7, Mat-Su Health Foundation, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, MTA, Rise, Rotary, Tesoro, Brent H Taylor, Church On The Rock, Diversified Tire, Houston Middle School, IBEW Local 1547, Manage Inc., Power Sport Stuff, Ultima Thule Outfitters, United Rentals, Alaska Correctional Officers Association, Alaska Foot and Ankle Specialists, Alaska Open Imaging Center, Anchorage Daily News, Colony High School, First National Bank of Alaska, Geneva Woods Pharmacy, Knik Towing and Wrecking, Far Country Animal Hospital, Home Depot, Dr. Robert Cassell and UAA — Mat-Su College.

Raising more than $100,000 wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contributions of individuals and businesses that formed teams. Of the sponsors that were not listed above, the following businesses, schools and individuals had a team/teams. Following is a list of the sponsors and/or team names: Braves, Circle for Life, Colony Key Club, Curves of Big Lake, Curvettes, Curvettes 2, Geneva Woods Pharmacy, Home Depot, Houston Middle School, Janell’s Friends, K-9 Fairies, Kancer Killerz, Mother Hubbards, Mat-Su Borough Employees Association, Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults, NoMokemo, Palmer Elks 1842, Palmer Rotary, Paws For A Cause, Wasilla Middle School, Susitna Rotary, Team Camp Paradise, Wasilla Rotary Club and Wasilla Sunrise Rotary.

In addition to the sponsors, committee members, team captains and walkers, the Mat-Su relay had about 50 extra volunteers this year who helped with various activities during and after the event. Susitna Rotary took over the silent auction which netted more than $14,000 for the Rotary’s scholarship program and the American Cancer Society.

Again, thank you for supporting the American Cancer Society. The members of the Mat-Su community made the 2007 Relay For Life a huge success and we appreciate everyone’s participation! Remember, it’s not too early to become involved in Relay For Life for next year. For more information for the 2008 Relay call 355-9111.

Penny Gillen

Relay For Life chairperson

American Cancer Society