DRAYTON – With a breast cancer diagnosis, a patient’s world is turned upside down.
Financial worries that may not have existed before, can cause additional stress. One organization is doing its part by providing assistance to patients who are unable to afford the cost of medications, travel expenses, make monthly rent payments or purchase groceries.
The Kelly Shires Foundation is a volunteer-run organization that assists with the financial aspects of the cancer battle so patients can focus on their personal well being.
Kelly Shires’ life changed after a breast cancer diagnosis in December 1996. Pregnant with her first child, within a week, Shire had four surgeries, terminated the pregnancy and began six months of chemotherapy. Her husband Ken sold their successful business in Mississauga, moved the couple to the Georgian Bay area and focused on Shires’ battle with cancer.
Shires wanted to help others with breast cancer as she experienced the emotional, mental and physical stress of the disease and found the added financial stress to be overwhelming. Shires, along with good friend Suzy Stenoff, organized a fundraising snow run as Shires was passionate about snowmobiling. The concept of an all-woman snowmobile ride with women helping women was born.
Even though the first snow run in 2000 was rained out, the spirit of the women in attendance was evident as $10,000 was raised for the cause.
In October 2004, Shires lost an eight-year battle with cancer. Her dream continued as the 17th annual Snow Run was held in Huntsville Feb. 5 to 7.
Drayton resident Eliza Dippel and Shannon Marriott of Palmerston participated in the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run for the first time this year.
“I like this organization because money doesn’t go to hospitals or research. It goes directly to the breast cancer patient who needs help financially to pay rent, get groceries or buy gas to travel to appointments,” Dippel said.
Upon arrival on Friday at the event, volunteers unloaded participants’ snowmobiles into a secure compound. To encourage new friendships and rekindle old ones, the women take part in a door decorating contest and decorated bra contest with prizes, giveaways and raffle draws held throughout the weekend. Friday night’s agenda began with a meet and greet and updates for snowmobilers on trail rules and signals.
Saturday morning at 9am, snowmobilers departed the resort after opening ceremonies and a moment of silence in honour of friends who have lost their battle with breast cancer. The run consisted of five teams: Team Turtle for beginners or sightseers, Bosom Cruisers – a shorter route with a few extra stops, Team Rock (Shires’ team) whose members love to have fun on the trails, Dream Team – a fun riding aggressive team, and Hooter Haulers – experienced riders that love to ride on the edge.
The run is approximately 150km of scenic trails. After a day on the trails, riders enjoyed an evening gala that included a buffet dinner, awards, speeches, live and silent auctions and grand finale raffle for a snowmobile.
The foundation receives seven to 10 applications for assistance each week, with the need for assistance increasing yearly.
The organization now has a Quebec chapter, with the Ontario chapter still covering applications from Ontario and the remainder of Canada.
In 2015, the foundation assisted 445 applicants with funding of $332,681. Types of assistance provided included medical accessories, dental/eye wear, medications, counselling, therapy, groceries, lodging/rent, childcare, traveling and household expenses.
A family ATV run and golf tournament are other fundraising events held throughout the year.
How to get involved
“To participate in the run participants must raise a minimum of $1,250,” said Dippel.
“Shannon and I plan on going on the run in 2017 and will be looking for sponsorships for this great cause. It was a wonderful weekend and I would encourage anyone who enjoys snowmobiling to get involved.”
For more information on the run go to www.kellyshiresfoundation.org or call 1-877-436-6467. To sponsor Eliza Dippel stop by with a donation at Dippel’s Family Garage in Drayton.
