Round-Up donates more than $20K to
help those battling breast cancer

From left to right: Tanya Weinke and Tia Gentner of St. Anthony Hospital, Round-Up President Randy Severe and Herb Bitting, of the Cancer Community Renewal Project.

PENDLETON, Ore. — In three short years, the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign held Thursday during the Pendleton Round-Up has become a tradition that helps local women in their battle against breast cancer. In 2008, the event raised a total of $20,271.98. That amount was divided equally between the Cancer Community Renewal Project and St. Anthony Hospital. All money will go to area women fighting breast cancer.

“There’s a song that ladies love cowboys,” Round-Up President Randy Severe said. “Well, cowboys love ladies too. We have a deep appreciation of women and their strength.”

Cancer has touched the two women who spearhead helping in the battle against breast cancer at St. Anthony Hospital. Respiratory Services Manager Tia Gentner and Tanya Weinke, EKG/office assistant, lost their mothers to cancer.

“Our hearts are there,” Gentner said of the pair helping women not just battle cancer, but recover from it and flourish. In addition to helping women pay for treatment, the Tough Enough to Wear Pink funds help with mileage costs and other items like prosthetics. St. Anthony also gives the cancer patients free memberships at Round-Up Athletic Club.

Herb Bitting is a cancer survivor himself who is a board member for the Cancer Community Renewal Project, which was originally the Breast Cancer Renewal Project, but has since spread its wings to help all cancer survivors. Activism was a direct result of his own cancer, he said.

“After I was diagnosed, I got involved with Fall Fashion For Survivors and each year I got in deeper,” he said.

The project helps cancer survivors with post-treatment activities that brings them back into a healthy way of life.

Becca Hawkins of Pendleton, who helps organize the Round-Up’s annual day of pink, said the rodeo’s support is invaluable.

“St. Anthony Hospital helps women with breast cancer who are actively going through treatment , while Cancer Community Renewal Project is focused on helping people with wellness activities like yoga, massage and exercise,” she said. “These funds are earmarked for local women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Tough Enough to Wear Pink returns on Sept. 17 to the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds. The community is welcome to make donations or simply show support for those battling breast cancer by donning the pastel.

“It’s all about the community,” Gentner said.