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Snowmobile fundraiser rips into cancer

Feb 6, 2017 | 4:00 PM

Over the course of six days and 1,400 kilometers, 10 women ripped across the province on snowmobiles to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

Prairie Women on Snowmobiles (PWOS) has been going on cross-Saskatchewan missions for 16 years. PWOS President, Kelly Rea said each rider had been touched by cancer in one way or another and that was their motivation to become involved in the ride.

“Some had close calls with it (cancer) personally and others watched loved ones go through it,” she said.

The crew made several stops between Hudson Bay and Star City to share stories about their experiences with cancer.

“You meet people and hear their cancer journey stories and share yours and then you get on your sled and have time to reflect while you ride,” she said. “That time on your sled gives you a chance to collect yourself and give you strength… so you can do it again on your next stop.”

While the fundraising was important, so was the message PWOS delivered along the way: early detection is the key to survival.

According to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, an estimated 720 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the province and an estimated 160 people will lose their life to the disease. The agency performed more than 38,000 mammograms last year through the screening program for breast cancer.

“Approximately 75 per cent of breast cancers diagnosed through the screening program are early stage,” Mary Deane with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency said. She explained when cancer is found in its early stages, the outcome is generally better for patients.

This year, PWOS raised about $144,000. Some of that money will go towards purchasing equipment for the cancer centres in Saskatoon and Regina. Rea said the Canadian Cancer Society will also receive some of the funds for breast cancer research.

“It is overwhelming, emotional and satisfying,” Rea said. “You come away from it a different person and you have a totally different outlook on life.”

Applications for next year’s PWOS ride are already being accepted. For more information, visit: www.prairiewomen.ca

 

teena.monteleone@jpbg.ca

@TeenaMonteleone