Two of the greatest people you could ever know passed away in 2007 as a result of cancer. I've known Larry Friend, my father-in-law for over 30 years. Just like everyone else who knew him, I loved being around him. He was unpretentious and you always knew that he would do anything for you.

My dear sister, Rita Deetz, passed away in December, 2007 from ovarian cancer. Although she lost her year-long battle with cancer, she faced her illness with a strength and dignity which to me was simply amazing. Her support from friends, family and associates was a true testament to the life she led and she will be missed by all who knew her.

So Rita and Larry are my true heroes and I ask myself if a little more money had been raised, if we had tried a little harder, could researchers have discovered the cure that could have extended their lives.

In May of 2007, I was also diagnosed with cancer - malignant melanoma. A cell phone call at lunch delivered the news that no one ever wants to get. Prompt action on my part and the part of my doctors allowed the cancer to be removed before it could spread and so I am a survivor who is, in theory, cancer free. My risk category has the odds of it returning higher than I'd like, though. So if there was ever a cause to support, the American Cancer Society is it for me.

Our team, the Mission Possible , is comprised of people that have felt great sadness at the loss of Rita and/or Larry and are committed to honoring their memory through raising money in their behalf. You can help. The following buttons will let you join my team, donate to the cause or purchase a Luminaria to honor or remember one of your own heroes.

Click this button and then search for the team Mission Possible.	A relay team has between 8 and 15 members. It is expected that each team member will raise $100 in donations. When you join my team, a personal web page will be automatically created for you. You'll be able to email the address of your page to potential donors. Donors can browse to your personal page and make donations with any major credit card. It is that simple. During the Relay Event, at least one team members must be walking on the track from 6:00pm on Friday evening to 10:00am on Saturday morning. It isn't required for team members to spend the night at the track, but if you don't, you'll be missing out on all the fun. In the event that my team has already reached the maximum participants, please contact me prior to joining the team.
	You can make a donation by clicking on this button. Your donation will be credited to my account, so if your intention is to make a donation to a different team member, click here to go to the home page of our team and follow the instructions to locate the team member for whom your contribution is to be credited.
	Click on this button to visit the Team Page of the Mission Possible. From this page, you'll be able to select a current team member so that you can make a donation on their behalf. You'll also be able to see how far we've gone towards reaching our fundraising goal.
	Click on the this button to purchase one or more Luminaria. You will be able to use any major credit card and credit your purchase to any participating team member. If you have not attended a Relay For Life event and have not experienced the Luminaria Ceremony, you owe it to yourself to do so. It is one of the most moving experiences you will ever have - walking the track, lined on both sides with candle-lit sand-filled bags decorated for loved ones. Even if you do not join a team, I encourage you to attend the Luminaria Ceremony. You'll be glad you did.