Organizers hope to raise nearly $120,000 for cancer research

As many as 1,200 people walked and remembered through the night at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning in Lampe Park.

"There was a huge turnout," said Relay for Life chairwoman Katrina Rowe. "There were over 700 registered participants and we had even more at the event. People ended up bringing family and friends and others from the community just showed up.

"We raised $112,000 during relay and there's still money coming in. We're hoping the total will be close to $120,000. With this economy, we were just going to try to do our best, but that's a lot of money."

Last weekend's event was Gardnerville's 12th annual Relay for Life. At least 63 area teams held fundraisers during the year to contribute to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

The national Relay for Life was created in 1985 to remember friends and loved ones who died from cancer and to raise money to fight the disease.

"Relay for Life is about walking - cancer doesn't sleep and neither will we - and each team tries to keep someone walking throughout the night," said Rowe. "There were a lot of fun things to do."

Events included the Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club cooking hamburgers and hot dogs, a bachelor auction that made more than $900, a shock booth by G.E. Energy, hot air balloon, music and a talent show. Relay walkers were greeted Sunday with sunrise yoga and breakfast put on by the Knights of Columbus.

"During relay, we honor survivors with dinner, have the luminaria ceremony when it gets dark," Rowe said. "It's a remembrance of people who died or who are struggling with the disease.

"This year's theme was 'Who do you know?' and by the looks of the turnout, there were a lot of people who were affected by cancer.

"It's not just about the people who passed, but it's about the survivors, the caregivers, people who are undergoing treatment for cancer. It even involves someone who had a mole removed and is waiting for the results."

Relay for Life teams will be hosting fundraising events through August. Team Nailing a Cure will still be flocking with their flamingos. There will be a bachelor auction at Centerfield Sports Bar & Grill in Gardnerville on Aug. 21.

"The more money we make, the more chances we have of finding a cure," said Rowe.

Rowe acknowledged the Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department for allowing the park to be reserved for Relay for Life.

"Relay is a community event - you feel the hometown aspect of it," she said.

"Relay is a lot of work at the time, and there's so many people. But it was high energy and a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to next year."

Information about the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at www.cancer.org