Residents of Karnes County made a giant step toward a cure for cancer on May 16-17 when they walked throughout the night during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

More than 23 teams and over 351 people came together during this year’s Relay to raise in excess of $60,663. Money raised during Relay For Life helps fund the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and service programs. The American Cancer Society is the largest nonprofit supporter of new cancer research and the largest voluntary health organization fighting cancer in our country.

"We appreciate all the support we received from each of the teams, as well as from our sponsors," said Gretchen Dupnik, event chair. "We are especially grateful to the many volunteers and their families for all of their hard work to make this event happen."

Wal-Mart Paradise Lifesavers team was the top fundraising team at the event, raising $8,780, Team Captains Albert Balderamos and Sandy Aguero. The top individual was Dorothy Gross from the Faithful Fighters team who raised $2,000. Team Spirit Award went to CIA – Cancer Intelligence Agency, team members were from Kenedy Family Practice and Kenedy Manor, Team Captains Sandy Trevino and Esmeralda DelaGarza. Best Campsite Award went to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Team Captains Julie Schievelbein and Kathy Oehlke. Team with Most Laps went to CSI – Cancer Stomping in Kenedy with a total of 626 laps, Team Captains Donna Kelley and JoDen Brown. Individual with Most Laps was Stella Hons with 82 laps – Caribbean Angels Our Lady of Peace. Top Online Fundraising went to Diana Backlund $225, team Faithful Fighters. Most Survivors per Team, 1^st place – CIA, 2^nd place – Paradise Lifesavers, 3^rd place – Faithful Fighters Team Captain Shelley Gibbens. Most Creative Basket for Silent Auction went to CIA – Beach Fun. Silent auction brought in $1,104. Mr. Relay went to Fonzie Ramos, Karnes City Junior High Teachers and brought in approximately $500.

Relay For Life is a family-oriented event where participants enjoy the camaraderie while also raising funds to support the activities of the American Cancer Society. Participants camp out and, when they are not taking their turn walking or running, they take part in fun activities, games, themed laps, contests and enjoy local entertainment. Relay For Life also raises awareness about cancer by honoring cancer survivors.

The Relay began at 7 p.m. at the Kenedy High School stadium, when 87 cancer survivors kicked off they event by walking the first lap. A luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m. illuminated the entire track as participants lit luminaria candles in memory of those who’ve lost the battle to cancer and in support for those still fighting the disease. A total of 550 luminarias were purchased.

At the closing ceremony, corporate sponsors received recognition for their contributions. Sponsors for this year’s event included: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – Diamond Sponsor, Dr. Joel & Liz Saldana - Survivor Ceremony and Lap Sponsor, Schuenemann Office – Luminaria Sponsor.

Organizers expressed thanks to Silver, Bronze, Fact Sign & In Kind Sponsors. Special thanks was expressed to The Countywide, Kenedy ISD, Boy Scout Troop 224, Cesar Ponce, Scoutmaster/Presentation of Colors, National Anthem was sung by Megan Schievelbein – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Invocation by Rev. Wally Schievelbein – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Entertainment – Megan Schievelbein & Wally Schievelbein, Starlight Twirlers – Colleen Phelps, Director, DJ Rock It Juke Box Productions, Leonicio DelaGarza, Jr., Massages by Bonnie Bergara & Anita Bergara.

The 2008 Karnes County Relay For Life Committee Members are as follows: Gretchen Dupnik – Event Chair, Donna Kelly & Sandy Trevino – Team Recruitment, Cliff Baker & Vi Malone – Online, Marie Welkener – Sponsorship, Pumpkin Culpepper, Tina Jones-Howard, Suzanne Nunez – Luminaria, Donna Sekula – Treasurer, Phillis Ender, Deene Janysek, Jochelle Gonzales – Survivorship, Sharon Bednorz – Activities, Mary Kruciak – Silent Auction, Ricky Garza & Bruno Mata – Logistics, Darlene Puente – Publicity/Marketing, Gretchen Dupnik – Entertainment, Cristina Garza – Education, Glenda Cummings, David Garcia and the Kenedy High School FFA & FCCLA – Concession Stand. Organizers encourage anyone who sees any of these committee members to please take a minute to thank them for a job well done.

For more information about Relay For Life and how to become involved, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour help line at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the web site at www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.