Relay For Life IGH | SSP | WSP

Welcome to our group of cancer survivors, cancer warriors, and those who honor loved ones lost to cancer in Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul, West. St. Paul and the neighboring communities.

relay52.org

History

2026 is our 22nd year!

Relay for Life was the idea of Gordon Klatt, M.D.  In 1985 Dr. Klatt ran and walked for 24 hours on a track in Tacoma, Washington, logging the equivalent of about 81 miles, and raising $27,000 for the American Cancer Society.  From there, Relay for Life was born and is now held nationwide.

Our IGH SSP WSP Relay was started by Mary Niederkorn, Aric Babbit and LaVonne Francis in 2005.  In the past 21 years we have raised over $1.4 million for the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life!

Past chairs

  • Darlene Tinucci, Kristi Larson (2024, 2025, 2026)
  • Teresa Joens-Kostick, Darlene Tinucci (2023)
  • Teresa Joens-Kostick (2022)
  • Kelly Hemmelman, Ione Kealy (2020–21)
  • Natalie Fredricks, Allix Fasbender, Robin Ross (2019)
  • Sandi Powers, Robin Ross (2018)
  • Sandi Powers, Steve Becker (2017)
  • Sandi Powers, Shelly Forester, Steve Becker (2016)
  • Jaime Ross, Shelly Forester, Steve Becker (2015)
  • Jaime Ross, Shelly Forester (2014)
  • Shelly Forester, Jaime Ross, Aimee Vesper (2013)
  • Jahna Haller, Vickki LaBrosse (2010–12)
  • Jahna Haller, Megan Barrett (2009)
  • Megan Barrett, Robin Ross, Deb Smilanich (2008)
  • Robin Ross, LaVonne Francis, Deb Smilanich (2007)
  • Aric Babbitt, LaVonne Francis, Mary Niederkorn (2005–06)

Past events

See each page for that year’s fundraising total, location, photos, emcees, and honored guests.