We, the Thrivent Financial Four Peaks Fighters, would like to thank all those who organized and participated in this past weekend’s Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society.

It was our first year participating in the fundraiser, and it was well organized and in a nice setting – in Fountain Park right behind Plaza Fountainside. It was uplifting getting to meet the various teams and hear some personal and courageous stories about battling the nasty “C” word – cancer.

Particularly heart-felt and inspirational were the beginning lap of cancer survivors and the silent night-time luminaria walk accompanied by bagpiper Eric Landau.

We’ve all been touched by cancer in some fashion, so the Relay for Life is just one more way for this community to get involved and show unity and hometown spirit. While the Relay has gone through various ups and downs through the years, we’re hoping more citizens and businesses get involved in this endeavor next year and beyond.

This community certainly has more than its fair share of service clubs, charitable causes and other fundraisers, but the Relay for Life is truly a unique event and one worth keeping.

Thanks, again, to all the survivors, caregivers, staff members, volunteers and participants who made the 2017 Relay for Life possible.