What's With All the PINK?

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More than 75 riders make their annual trek across Alberta by horse and wagon, crossing 23 towns and 345 miles in 22 days, raising money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of breast cancer research. On Saturday, August 13th, the riders were in the saddle in the Crowsnest Pass and starting their pink trail through the mountains. They will end at Fultonvale Arena, east of Sherwood Park on September 3rd.
Many of the riders have a personal cancer story to tell. Hedi Klassen, from Ardrossan, for instance has ridden in Wild Pink Yonder for the last two years to support cancer research since a number of family members have faced the disease. A few months after last year's ride, she heard the words, “You have cancer.”
Klassen received her last radiation treatment on June 29th and has spent the last few weeks preparing her mare, Lady Bey Ember for the three-week trek. Three weeks later, she was told she was cancer-free.
“I will be riding with a different viewpoint this year,” says Klassen. “How lucky we are in Alberta to have the support and amazing medical facilities that we do. During my daily trips to the Cross Cancer Institute, I met so many who traveled from out of their home province to find the treatment they needed.
“Trail boss” Jane Hurl was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2006 and started Wild Pink Yonder with her son, Rusty, to make sure her future grandchildren do not have to live in fear of the disease. In 2009, Wild Pink Yonder raised $55,650 and in 2010, it raised $75,112. Jane's goal this year is to raise $100,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Wild Pink Yonder challenges towns along the route to be the “pinkest little town” and raise more money (per capita) than the others.
Visit the website: www.wildpinkyonder.com to track the route across the province or to donate.