MARY BALDASANO / Special to the PVT From left are Cassandra Selbach, Terrie Morden, Tonya Brum, Jim Clancy and, with mike, Carla Kononchik. All are Relay for Life committee chairmen and co-chairmen. MARY BALDASANO / Special to the PVT Cancer survivors rally to walk. Advertisement

The seventh annual Relay for Life sponsored by the American Cancer Society was held Aug. 16 at Petrack Park.

The event is held to raise money for research, education and advocacy of those who have either lost someone to cancer, are currently suffering its effects or have survived the illness.

The event also raises money for local assistance in getting sufferers to doctor and treatment appointments. Carla Kononchik said she gives "tribute to local businesses for their support and donation of gift baskets that were raffled."

She added, "I hope to achieve a successful relay for 2008. I want to get the word out there to everyone, especially survivors, to come out and join the crowd."

Auctions of donated items were held and included a two-carat diamond ring, a three-carat Tanzanite and diamond ring, donated by Lynette Schlager, Ms. Senior Nye County 2008, as well as other valuables.

An early count indicates more than $60,000 was raised, which at this time is considerably less than last year's $85,000. There are 556 regular participants; by early evening there were already 115 registered attendees.

Although it was over 100 degrees, group sponsors and participants didn't seem to let it bother them.

Joe Early, husband of a cancer victim, commented, "It's a great thing what they do. They help everyone and help out in every way. They make you comfortable with your life."

Cathy Robins, co-chairman of the food committee, said "Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't thank everyone enough for their support." Food for the event was donated by Carmelo's Restaurant and was free to victims and survivors and guests. Dessert was donated by the Pahrump Bakery.

The main event began with Dan Rodriguez as master of ceremonies, presentation of colors by local Cub Scouts, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Dolly Gleason, diagnosed with gastric lymphoma and a survivor said, "It's wonderful what they do."

Rachel Taylor, a participant, said, "There can be a positive learning side to it. You have to put your faith in God."

Laura Majors, chairman of the event committee, put together 25 teams to include survivor notification (Cathy and Nichelle Robins), entertainment (Rodriguez, Herman Germanrayes and Rick Scanlon), logistical (Jim Clancy and Albert Bass), advocacy (Tonya Brum and Joyce Schnelzer), accounting (Terrie Morden), publicity (Cassandra Selbach), town board participation (Laurayne Murray) and Nye County Commissioners' representation (Commissioner Gary Hollis).

This Relay for Life event was highly successful even with the state of the economy. Sponsors included; Carmelo's Pasta and Pizzeria, Readers Digest, Verizon Wireless, Valley Electric, Senior Dimensions, ACE, Pahrump Bakery, State Farm, Agent Brian Strain, Costco, AARP, and Desert View Regional Medical Center. Your support is appreciated.

For information, contact Carla Kononchik at 775-727-6103, or information about cancer-related issues, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.