The power of pink

Straits women raise more than $18,000 for breast cancer research

Alack of snow and open brooks prevented the annual Breast Cancer Snowmobile Ride from taking place in the Straits this year, but it didn’t deter the sea of pink that flooded Plum Point on March 11.

More than 300 women from 26 communities got out and walked the roads of Plum Point to raise $18,155 for breast cancer research.

It’s the ninth year for the fundraiser, which has raised $104,000 since it began.

Marie Hughes of Green Island Brook was this year’s top fundraiser, bringing in $4,500.

“I went around to friends and family in Iqaluit, and I kept at it until I was ready to come back home,” Hughes said. “We had a family member who passed because of breast cancer, so I saw this as a really good cause to support.” Last year she raised $3,500. Hughes was hoping she could exceed last year’s figure. “But I didn’t think I was going to do that much better,” she said.

Organizers Donna Grimes and Betty Dempster are calling this year a tremendous success.

Grimes said the whole concept came about because of the WOW (Women on Wheels) Ride, a Canadian snowmobile fundraiser.

“I wanted to do the ride, but I couldn’t, and I had an aunt who passed away with cancer, so I said we should try our own fundraiser,” Grimes said.

She said it’s a great feeling to see participants’ continued dedication over the years.

“To see the survivors out taking part in this and saying it’s a great support for them, it really keeps us going.”

Judy Applin from Green Island Brook was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago. Through chemotherapy and radiation, she was able to beat it. Because she’s a survivor, Applin takes part in the fundraiser annually.

“It’s a great cause,” she said. “It’s a great appreciation to the people who have survived and are currently struggling with breast cancer.

“Chemo is hard on the body, but it makes you a stronger person. You still have to live with that fear in the back of your mind that it could come back again, but events like these really lets you know how much support is actually there — and it’s something you don’t fully appreciate until you get out and see it first hand.”

Put to good use

All the funds go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Atlantic region, to be used towards research, community health, studentship for young researchers, education and hospital infrastructure.

Paula Tessier, the community relations officer for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation — Atlantic, Newfoundland and Labrador, said last year the foundation awarded $1.5 million for various initiatives.

She had high praise for the Straits event.

“Donna and Betty are proof positive that anybody can do anything,” Tessier said of the organizers. “To get so many small communities together and provide such support and hope for people with breast cancer, it’s just remarkable.”

Tessier said because of fundraisers such as the snowmobile ride, there have been a lot of changes in breast cancer treatments and it’s given people more hope.

“Over 20 years ago, when the foundation first opened its doors, three out of every four women diagnosed with breast cancer died. Today, three out of every four diagnosed survive.”

— Photo by Adam Randell/ The Northern Pen Blue Cove resident Barbara Coombs (left) was decked out in pink camo to show her support during the breast cancer walk on March 11. She was accompanied by her friend, Emma Way of Savage Cove.

— Photo by Adam Randell/the Northern Pen More than 300 women from the Straits took to the roads in Plum Point to raise $18,155 for breast cancer research.

— Photo by Adam Randell/the Northern Pen Cancer survivors taking part in the walk (back from left) included Vina Noseworthy, Judy Applin, Virtue Mitchelmore, Marie-Ann Burke, Marie-Alice Burke, Jesse Genge, Lynn Dempster, Jane Way; (front from left) Jocelyn Coombs, Virginia Chambers, Rhoda...

— Photo by Adam Randell/the Northern Pen Sheila Genge (left) of Anchor Point was the flag bearer for the walk. She’s shown here with organizer Donna Grimes.

— Photo by Adam Randell/the Northern Pen The breast cancer walk’s littlest supporter was four-year-old Sasha Coombs of Plum Point, shown here with Anita Coombs.