Drayton women participate in breast cancer snow run
DRAYTON – Three Drayton women travelled north last month to take part in the 27th Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run, an annual all-women snowmobiling event in Huntsville Feb. 6 to 8 to raise funds to support Canadians with breast cancer.
Shannon Marriott, Eliza Dippel and Laura McClain joined hundreds of women at Hidden Valley Resort for the fundraiser, which combines trail rides with community events, remembrance ceremonies and fundraising initiatives.
The event raised over $400,000 despite the frigid temperatures. The Marriott, Dippel and McClain raised over $7,000. The snow run provides women with direct financial assistance for expenses not covered by health care, including travel to treatment, medications, childcare and recovery-related costs.
At the age of 34 in 1997, Shires and her husband Ken were expecting their first child when Shires discovered a lump in her breast. Within a week, she had four surgeries, terminated the pregnancy and began six months of chemotherapy. Together with her friend, Suzy Stenoff, Shires created the snow run in 2000. In 2004, Shires lost her battle with breast cancer.
The snow run has raised millions of dollars since it began. Throughout the weekend, riders took part in guided snowmobile rides, shared meals and stories, and paused to honour those battling breast cancer as well as those who have lost their lives.
Back home in Drayton, friends, family and community members supported Marriott, Dippel and McClain through donations and encouragement, helping them reach their fundraising goals.
Donations can be made to either participant when the 2027 year opens up online or in person at Dippels Family Garage or Country Air and Repair.
