On Sunday, rodeo fans have a chance to take in the action while also supporting a good cause during Tough Enough to Wear Pink.
One dollar from every rodeo ticket sold Sunday will go to the cancer fundraiser, as will donations given for pink ribbons and wrist bands.
Stampede director Sherry Bullock said this year’s earnings will be given to two very worthy causes: Cops for Cancer and to local volunteer Jim Byer and his wife, Jean.
Jim, who has been a Stampede volunteer since 1996, director from 2000 to 2010 and office administrator since 2011, has had two bouts with cancer in the past six months. Money raised will go toward his travel expenses.
“It’s been overwhelming to know that we are supported so much by the community. We are very grateful, it means a lot,” Jim said Thursday as he tended to business at the Stampede Office.
Jim said he doesn’t mind talking about his cancer because, “I’m a survivor,” he said.
Jim received a lung transplant 11 years ago this Stampede weekend, keeping one of his own lungs and receiving a new one.
Since then Jim said he has monthly checkups with his doctor and that was when stomach cancer was discovered, which was surgically removed.
Then, cancer was also found in Jim’s lung.
“The cancer came as a complete surprise,” he said.
Sherry describes Jim as a fountain of knowledge when it comes to the Stampede and an all-around helpful person.
She noted treatments due to travel have been very costly for the 72 year old.
Cops for Cancer Tour De North riders from Williams Lake Constables Colby Hendrickson, Andrew Waters and Daniel Cohen will be at the rodeo Sunday dressed in pink, and selling 50/50 tickets.
Donations for Cops for Cancer can also be made at convio.cancer.calgoto/williamslake.
- Williams Lake Tribune/Weekend Advisor