Dear Editor

The American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life Planning Committee would like to thank the following individuals and businesses who helped to make our first annual New Madrid County Relay for Life a huge success.

First and foremost, our cancer survivors who participated in the "Victory Lap" - your presence gave our relay meaning and purpose. Our team participants - your hard work and tireless efforts will never be forgotten. Clement Cravens, a great emcee. The "Splash Guys" - Barry Bennett, Dub Prince, Ron Webb, Jeff Heath, Lennies McFerren and Kerwin Urhahn. Ralph Barnwell and the New Madrid County ambulance crew. Pete Taylor and the City of New Madrid electrical crew. New Madrid County Central High School and New Madrid Bend Youth Center.

Gold sponsors: Bank of New Madrid, VFW of Lilbourn, VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Lilbourn, Monsanto.

Silver sponsors: Davis Pharmacy, David and June Barton.

Bronze sponsors: Sells Rest Home, Union Planters, United Steel Workers of America, Martindale, State Farm Insurance - Kelly Waller, Sunset Estates, New Madrid Eagles Aerie 4206, Dave's Bestway, The Weekly Record, New Madrid Country Club, Houchin's Donuts, Cravens Insurance, AGRO of Portageville, Noranda, Butler Drug Store, Diversified Risk Management LLC, River's, Rone Farms, New Madrid Eagles Ladies Auxiliary, Sentimental Journey, Missourian News and Print, James Bayou Cookers, the Trane Corporation, Ralph Anderson Lumber Co.

All other sponsors: Carolyn's Apparel, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Susie's Bake Shop, Skeeter Kelly Sporting Goods, Jewell Mauk, New Madrid American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Semo Health Network, Rebecca Sharp, Hallmark Inc., Standard Democrat, Baker's Grocery, Food Rite-Portageville, McDonald's Grocery, P&G, Esicars, State Farm Insurance - Billy Thurman, McDonald's - Portageville, Taster's - New Madrid, Ramey Supermarket, Pro Pizza, Sikeston Market Place, New Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Bill Henry, Johnson's Grocery, Dye Seed, Turner Dairies Inc. - Sikeston, Good Humor-Breyers, Sikeston Wal-Mart Supercenter, Orscheln - Sikeston, Casey's General Store - New Madrid, Knights of Columbus - New Madrid, W.M. Crysler Co., Sikeston Big Kmart; and all the volunteers who helped with each relay committee.

And finally, a big thank you to all those who donated to the various team fund-raising efforts. You are making a difference in the fight against cancer.