NORTH CONWAY, NH - Our 31st Race to Beat Cancer ski, snowboard, and tube races raised more than $14,000 for cancer research and Mount Washington Valley patient services. Seventy-five volunteers participated in the fun-filled day on Sunday, Feb. 10.

“Mount Washington Valley residents, second home owners, and visitors alike really showed their spirit this weekend," said Kathy Metz, Community Executive for the American Cancer Society’s Race to Beat Cancer.

The top three individual fundraisers for the second year in a row were 11-year-old year old Jessi Frechette of Colebrook, who brought in $1,111.00; Richard Ayer of Glen, who raised $985 from friends and family; and Dr. Elwin Faulkenham of Lancaster, who collected $675 in donations.

Metz said that money raised in the 2008 Race To Beat Cancer will be used to speed up the search for new weapons to fight cancer. “Cancer will soon become the number-one killer in America as baby boomers grow older. In order to expand our patient services in the Mount Washington Valley and research new ways to treat patients, we've got to channel more public attention and money into this problem."

“The funds raised through the Race to Beat Cancer enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient services,” added Metz. “Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and donors, the money raised by Race to Beat Cancer participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs.”

American Cancer Society’s Race to Beat Cancer was made possible by our sponsors Capital Distributors, Cranmore Mountain, Storyland, The Mount Washington Radio Group (WMWV and Magic 104 fm), Abbott’s Ice Cream, Badger Real Estate, Brown Masonry, M&M Assurance Group, The Memorial Hospital, and Northway Bank, as well as many local businesses that donated goods and services for the top fundraiser prizes and raffle fundraisers.

Volunteers interested in serving on the 2009 planning committee are now needed.

If you have questions, or would like to become a sponsor or join the committee, please call Kathy Metz at 603-356-3719 or (800) ACS-2345.