The Hope Takes Flight Award is an annual award that recognizes an individual or business who, through their volunteerism, profession, or financial contribution to cancer patients and/or the American Cancer Society, has provided hope for so many who are battling cancer throughtout Washington County or adjoining counties. Their contribution has also provided support for caregivers in our area.
Congratulations to this year's finalists!
Missy DeHaven
"Missy is an excellent candidate for the Hope Takes Flight Award because of her passion, efforts and support that she tries to give our survivors at every opportunity."
Missy has been an integral part of the Relay For Life of Washington County for several years — serving as a Team Captain, Entertainment Chair, Event Chair, and, most recently, as the Survivorship Chair. She always makes sure to incorporate the theme that the event is utilizing in everything that she does for survivor and caregivers and makes sure that donations received from local businesses, as well as her own donations, make both the annual survivor dinner and the survivor station at Relay as spectacular as can be. She always makes sure to reach out to any cancer survivors and always extends a personal invitation to join the event.
Missy's creativity and organizational skills set her apart. She truly supports all those who have been diagnosed in Washington County and beyond to let them know they are supported and her actions have had a true impact on so many in our community.
D.M. Bowman, Inc.
"D.M. Bowman's passion and commitment to fighting cancer continues by raising funds and making a substantial donation to the American Cancer Society each year."
D.M. Bowman, Inc. has been a long-time friend and supporter of the American Cancer Society. Their involvement in the Relay For Life goes back to the very first event in Washington County in 1996. Since that time, the Bowman team has donated over one quarter of a million dollars to help fight cancer. Since 2014, they have organized and hosted the Jone Bowman Memorial Charity Golf Tournament with the proceeds of this successful event benefiting the Relay For life of Washington County.
D.M. Bowman, Inc. has also helped to raise awareness of the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life by applying the logos to the trucks and trailers that travel the East coast. Their dedication to the cause is not only appreciated but has helped change the lives of so many in our community.
Past Hope Takes Flight Award Recipients
Garnet Stevens
2018
Sara Mulkey
2019
Crystal Ancarrow and
Keith Grossnickle
2021
Laurie Frey
2022
Laurie Meyers
2023
What is the inspiration for the Hope Takes Flight Award?
The Hope Takes Flight Award was created as a way to remember Melissa Wheatcraft. Melissa served as a committee member of the Relay For Life of Washington County for several years. While never one to want to be in the limelight, Melissa worked behind the scenes to help where ever needed to further the fight against cancer. Even her own diagnosis with terminal cancer couldn't stop her from helping with the hope that cancer, one day, will be eliminated. Melissa was always willing to share her cancer journey, as long as it would conclude in a donation to the American Cancer Society.
Melissa's love of butterflies inspired the name of the award. Just as the butterfly floats through the air, the hope that so many in our community provide flows throughout Washington County and benefits those who have been diagnosed with cancer as well as their loved ones.
Nominations for the 2024 Hope Takes Flight Award have closed.
Know a person or business who is deserving of the award? Help us to shine the spotlight on those unsung heroes in our community.
Submit your nomination for the 2025 award!
Submit your nomination for the 2025 Hope Takes Flight Award!
