Horseback Riders Help Stop Cancer In Its Tracks
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: November 5, 2011
BRIMFIELD--Local horseback riders are giving their time and their talent to help combat cancer.
"It's 100%. Everyone is donating all of their time. That's what I love about it, and everyone was happy to come here," said organizer Gitza Peterson.
Peterson is a member of "Whoa Cancer."
It stands for, "When Horsepower Opens Awareness."
She's donated her property to host "A Day with a Horse Can Make a Difference for a Lifetime."
A fundraiser for cancer research.
"This group is so hardworking and dedicated and we're so happy the way it's unfolding," said Peterson.
Hundreds came out to watch local riders and show their support.
"When you start talking to people and asking for donations, the kindness and the soft heartedness that you see...because cancer unfortunately is out there and affects everyone," said Janet Allen.
Allen herself is no stranger to the disease.
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009," said Allen. "When you are chosen, possibly for some reason you can turn it around and make it work the best for others and yourself."
The ladies say riding horses provides them with a sense of strength needed to overcome cancer.
It's being in nature in the kindness of these gentle giants.
"The horse is strength, has power, the beauty. And we think they're a draw," said Allen.
"We all have horses we love them we enjoy them and that brought us all together," WHOA member Pat Gomes.
These women hope their passion for this classic activity helps fund the modern technology needed to stop a deadly disease in its tracks.
"Use the power of the horse for the cure of cancer," said Allen.
"The sooner you catch it, the quicker you can take care of it and beat it," adds Gomes.
The group is hoping to raise $15,000 dollars from today's event.
Proceeds will be donated to the Illinois Cancer Care Foundation.
To learn more about WHOA Cancer or to make a donation log onto www.whoacancer.giving.officelive.com
Of you can call 309-657-4403.
"It's 100%. Everyone is donating all of their time. That's what I love about it, and everyone was happy to come here," said organizer Gitza Peterson.
Peterson is a member of "Whoa Cancer."
It stands for, "When Horsepower Opens Awareness."
She's donated her property to host "A Day with a Horse Can Make a Difference for a Lifetime."
A fundraiser for cancer research.
"This group is so hardworking and dedicated and we're so happy the way it's unfolding," said Peterson.
Hundreds came out to watch local riders and show their support.
"When you start talking to people and asking for donations, the kindness and the soft heartedness that you see...because cancer unfortunately is out there and affects everyone," said Janet Allen.
Allen herself is no stranger to the disease.
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009," said Allen. "When you are chosen, possibly for some reason you can turn it around and make it work the best for others and yourself."
The ladies say riding horses provides them with a sense of strength needed to overcome cancer.
It's being in nature in the kindness of these gentle giants.
"The horse is strength, has power, the beauty. And we think they're a draw," said Allen.
"We all have horses we love them we enjoy them and that brought us all together," WHOA member Pat Gomes.
These women hope their passion for this classic activity helps fund the modern technology needed to stop a deadly disease in its tracks.
"Use the power of the horse for the cure of cancer," said Allen.
"The sooner you catch it, the quicker you can take care of it and beat it," adds Gomes.
The group is hoping to raise $15,000 dollars from today's event.
Proceeds will be donated to the Illinois Cancer Care Foundation.
To learn more about WHOA Cancer or to make a donation log onto www.whoacancer.giving.officelive.com
Of you can call 309-657-4403.
