When it comes to the Snoqualmie Valley Relay For Life, the team known as the Dy-No-Mites is practically a household name.

For seven years, the Dy-No-Mites have held the top fundraising position in the relay, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

After eight years at the team helm, co-captains Sharon Larson and Sharon Posey are stepping down, handing off the torch of Dy-No-Mite success after this summer. Both women are longtime North Bend residents and friends since the sixth grade.

As cancer survivors, Larson and Posey said their years of work and commitment mean a lot to them. But they felt it was time to share the wealth of their success.

Looking back

Relay For Life is an overnight event that celebrates cancer survivor while raising money for research and program. During the event, teams gather at Centennial Fields and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one member on the track at all times.

According to organizers, Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

First invited to walk in the relay’s Survivor Lap in 2002, Larson asked Posey to accompany her, as they both were breast cancer survivors.

They walked together and stayed for the Luminaria Ceremony, a moment to remember and honor those who have been lost by cancer. Posey cried all the way around the track. She decided they had to get more involved.

“I told Sharon, “We have got to have a team together,’” Posey said. “And that’s how the team was born.”

Eight years later, the Dy-No-Mites have made more than $105,500, holding bake sales, spaghetti dinners and garage sales and writing letters to family and friends to reach their goal.

Larson and Posey will be honored as they lead the Survivor Lap and cut the ribbon for the event.

“Everyone who knows Relay knows the Dy-No-Mites,” said Lisa Newell, a Relay volunteer and team captain who is also living with cancer. “They have a following.”

The 2010 Relay for Life begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at Centennial Fields Park in Snoqualmie.

Events include a catered dinner for survivors, face painting, The Bubble Man, a number of musical performances and a fundraising Snack Shop. For more information, visit snovalleyrelay.org.