Sierra Sandison, Miss Pocatello, formed a team in memory of her best friend for the Twin Falls' Relay for Life. Her friend, Mari Neiwirth, passed away April 2nd from Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma, which is a rare form of liver cancer.

In honor of what would have been Mari's, Sierra set the team fundraising goal at $2,200 for her 22nd birthday on April 5th. After planning and holding pre-event fundraisers, as well as the having the overwhelming support from friends and family, Team Mari not only reached their goal, but exceeded it by almost $1,000. By raising over $3,000 for the American Cancer Society, Team Mari received both the Rising Star Award and the Bronze Team Award.

Sierra said, "I can't believe what a huge success Team Mari turned out to be! It wouldn't have been possible without the help from the Neiwirth family, my parents, and everyone else who supported us. I had so much fun, and am I looking forward to doing it next year. I miss and love you Mari and I hope you are proud! We will never forget you."

On May 11th, Miss Meridian, Meg Rowe and Miss Pocatello, Sierra Sandison, participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Boise. The Race for the Cure is the largest 5k series in the world--in Boise, over 12,000 people participated this year!

The race raises money, as well as awareness, to fight breast cancer. It also celebrates breast cancer survivors, and remembers those that have been lost to breast cancer. Sierra said, "It was a lot of fun, and we got our friends and families to dress up in pink -even the boys!"

Sierra ran in honor of Brenda Ulrich, her friends' mom who recently got diagnosed, and is currently fighting breast cancer. "Their family has been through so much recently, and just the thought of adding the breast cancer diagnosis on top of it breaks my heart! They always seem to be smiling through it all, and they are in my prayers everyday. Go Team Brenda!"

Meg ran in celebration of Karen Carpenter, who is on the board of Miss Idaho. "Karen is a 15 year survivor of breast cancer, and one of the strongest people I have ever met. Her strength, determination, and positive spirit never cease to amaze me. She is an incredible role model for young women and a vital and treasured member of the Miss Idaho board."