Snowmobile run a fitting tribute to cancer victim

150 km fundraiser honours `strongest individual you would ever meet'

February 10, 2007
Nika Rolczewski

It's not exactly the perfect day to go snowmobiling. Winter's late start means the trails lack enough base snow for a smooth ride.

It's been years since I found my fanny on a machine – and this one's a sporty one to boot. I'm in the lap of luxury with heated handlebars.

I may be dressed in my 1980s-style snowsuit, but I'm not complaining because this event is for a wonderful cause.

There are about 120 women gathered at the Delta Pinestone Resort in Haliburton. They're taking part in the 2007 Breast Cancer Snow Run to raise money for the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation.

"Kelly was the strongest individual you would ever meet," says her husband, Ken Shires. "She was definitely a leader." She had her pilot's licence and was also a car girl, having bought a red 1977 Corvette to cruise in.

At 34, Kelly found a cancerous lump in her breast. Months of treatment followed. Since she worked in a family business that did not provide alternative insurance, and with OHIP only covering so much, Kelly and her husband felt the financial pinch.

She knew other patients were going through the same struggle and wanted to do something about it.


All sleds are checked over and fuel is topped up. Then, adorned with pink bras or teddy bears and angels, they make their way to the trails.

Taking off is enough of a challenge as I awkwardly accelerate away with my group.

I just hope I don't become intimate with a tree or ditch.

I get a little too close to a sapling. If Kelly could ride this way even after all the cancer treatments she'd been through, then I can, too.

Unlike other breast cancer fundraisers, the money raised for the Kelly Shires foundation doesn't go into funding research, but rather benefits the patient directly. Focusing on healing is important, but parking fees, child-care costs and other expenses not covered by insurance can add up, causing extra stress. Some medicine not covered by OHIP can cost $40 per pill, and even a quality wig to cover the hair loss caused by chemotherapy costs hundreds of dollars.

It's these day-to-day burdens that the foundation aims to ease.

Breast cancer patients are invited to apply. The request is reviewed by a panel of directors and if approved, the money can be dispersed in just a couple of weeks.

There are usually 50 to 60 applications waiting for the maximum of $1,500 payable at one time.

"That tells you how great the need is," says Suzy "Q" Cayley, Ontario event assistant co-ordinator. Her biggest fear is having the funds run out, but she'll never quit.

"Kelly was a fighter – she didn't want anyone to feel sorry for her," Cayley says.

Even though the first fundraising event was rained out, the 55 female riders raised $10,000. This year, with double the number of entrants registered, the latest tally was $204,000, with another $20,000 on the way. That makes the total raised in the past seven years at more than $1 million.

Marion Mochrie, owner of Royals Distributing, a corporate sponsor, is a firm believer that charity should go directly to the person in need. Why did she get involved? "Because everyone has been touched by breast cancer somehow. Mothers, sisters, daughters and aunts – each have their stories."

Many of the riders are survivors of the disease. Others are riding in memory of those who are not.

Volunteer and avid snowmobiler Mary Ann Beaudin says this is the only fundraiser she takes part in.

"Kelly was the most spiritual person," says Beaudin, whose own family has been struck by breast cancer. "She has made such a positive impact on so many of us."




The 150-kilometre trail ride is certainly an eye-opener.

While Mother Nature has given us some snow, it's not enough for a smooth trail.

My throttle thumb is stuck in the "Fonzie" position – I look like I'm giving the thumbs- up to everyone.

My toes and nose haven't lost their chill. I have aching muscles all over.

The first few hours are thrilling. The forest with its fresh snowfall is a magnificent sight – even as we tear through at what seems like Mach 1.

Each short rest stop gives my muscles a break, but gives my toes and nose a chill.


The professional organization and attention to detail make this event worry-free for the riders.

The ride is set up in teams. Team Turtle is for beginners or sightseers. Team Rock ups the skill level and was Kelly's team. The Dream Team is a more aggressive fun-riding gaggle of gals. Finally, there are the Hooter Haulers, the most experienced. They love to ride on the edge.

The route is carefully planned. Team leaders mark the way with sweep teams at the end who make sure there are no stragglers or problems. Trails are marked clearly and groomed as best they can. It was a long day of riding, about 150 km of Northern Ontario's set trails. A lunch stop for a hot meal and short rest was welcome.


By late afternoon, the last of the ladies are pulling up on their sleds on the return to the Delta Pinestone Resort. That evening, the banquet features awards, more raffle prizes, a superb dinner and of course, emotion.

In 2004, eight months before she died, Kelly rode in her last snow run. The chemotherapy had taken its toll and by the end of October, things had progressed from bad to worse.

Event co-ordinator Cayley smiles as she remembers Kelly's first question from her sickbed. "She wanted to know how raffle tickets sales were. The charity was always her first priority."

"Cancer is such a horrible way to die," Ken Shires says. It has been a few years since Kelly died but the grief is still there. His healing is to focus on the positive.

"This event is an amazing way to raise money for a wonderful cause, and it keeps Kelly's memory alive."

He still owns his wife's 1977 Red Corvette. The plates now read REMBR ME. How can we forget?


For days afterward, my body aches. A ride like this can be painful for an old gal like me.

But nothing compares to the pain of cancer – physically, mentally and emotionally.

I can't wait to participate again. Kelly Shires has inspired one more rider for next year's snow run.




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more information: Visit www.breastcancersnowrun.org and www.kellyshiresfoundation .org.

The second annual Quebec ride will be held Feb. 24. Visit www.randonneedesneiges.org.