Breast cancer survivors horse around at equestrian Jump for Hope fundraiser
There won鈥檛 be any 10-speeds at this 鈥渞ide for cancer.鈥澨� On Saturday, May 30 at the Eastwood Equine grounds in St. Lazare, seven breast cancer survivors will participate in a unique equestrian event to raise money for breast cancer care at the 平特五不中 Health Centre (MUHC). This fourth annual Jump for Hope Country Gala fundraiser is organized in partnership with the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation to benefit the MUHC Cedars Breast Clinic.
After months of training, our competitors (most of whom had never ridden a horse prior to this) will bravely take to the ring and perform a series of symbolic jumps.听 The 鈥渂reast cancer鈥� demonstration is held in conjunction with the annual St Lazare Horse Show, a national equestrian competition that draws Olympic caliber riders.听 The equestrian events will be followed by a Country Gala cocktail 鈥渄卯natoire.鈥�
鈥淭his touching display of courage, although impressive, is nothing compared to what these women have already faced with a breast cancer diagnosis,鈥� explains Valerie Laidley-Price, co-chair of the 2009 Jump for Hope Organizing Committee. 鈥淟earning to ride and jump symbolizes the fears that breast cancer survivors must learn to overcome.鈥�
The proceeds from the 2009 Jump for Hope event will go towards the establishment of a Wellness Centre at the MUHC.听 鈥淎s the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer has improved, so has the survival of our patients,鈥� explains Dr Sarkis Meterissian, Director of the Cedars Breast Clinic.听 鈥淎s a result, we must focus more than ever on treating the 鈥榳hole patient.鈥� It has long been our dream to assist in the physical, emotional and psychological rehabilitation process of breast cancer survivors 鈥� through proper nutrition, exercise and by boosting their self image.听 This year鈥檚 Jump for Hope will help us to address this important issue more fully.
鈥淚 am particularly proud to announce that a portion of the proceeds will go to support a new partnership we have built with CURVES training facilities.听 This will give our patients the freedom to participate in a regular exercise program free of charge.鈥�
The 2009 Jump for Hope breast cancer riders will be escorted into the ring by Mounties from the RCMP, Next, a ceremonial blessing will be performed by Chief Two Rivers and Chief Kirby, from the Mohawk First Nations People.听 In traditional dress and in their native Mohawk language, the chiefs will carry out a ceremonial blessing and give words of thanks and acknowledgement to the spirit of all breast cancer survivors. And last but certainly not least, the Sweet Grass Dancers, a troop of First Nations women, will perform a ceremonial dance.听 The performance will include native chanting and the ritual burning of sweet grass to bless and protect all women and their families.
For tickets, donations or information please contact Ms. Suzanne Beaudin at 514.695.2711 or visit the website at .
The 平特五不中 Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. Its partner hospitals are the Montreal Children's Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Montreal Chest Institute and the Lachine Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field and to contribute to the development of new
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