ABOVE : The 2017 Prairie Women on Snowmobiles crew , with Martensville & District Kinsmen Club Member Arnie Deschner .
( Shanine Sealey / Martensville Messenger )
“ It is an honour to be able to help raise awareness for such an amazing cause . When we have hope , we can have a miracle .” PWOS Rider - Candace Blair of Star City
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mARtEnsvillE mEssEngER - FEBRUARY 9 , 2017 - Page 9
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Emotional Evening Held to Honour Prairie Women on Snowmobiles Shanine Sealey , Martensville Messenger
Many of us have been affected by breast cancer in one way or another , and sadly , have lost loved ones to breast cancer . This disease is the driving force behind Prairie Women on Snowmobiles , who just completed their 17th mission as of February 3 , 2017 . Each year , ten core riders come together to embark on a sixday , 1400 kilometer snowmobile ride across the province , stopping in communities along the way . In each community , the riders , four executive members and a three man pit crew are welcomed with open arms . The purpose of the trip is to raise money that is donated towards breast cancer research and treatment . Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women , the PWOS website states .
The Martensville & District Kinsmen Club , along with the Saskatoon Snowmobile Club , organized a fundraiser that was held in the basement of the Adobe Inn Wednesday , February 1st . Both the room and the delicious meal were generously donated by the Adobe Inn . Those in attendance welcomed the PWOS with a round of applause , and throughout the evening , had the opportunity to visit with and hear the stories of each of the ten core riders , bringing tears to many eyes within the room . This year ’ s riders consisted of Joan Phinney ( Kindersley , SK ), Heather Mohr ( Clavet , SK ), Lori Fontaine ( Prince Albert , SK ), Estelle Sowinski ( Candle Lake , SK ), Elma Fischer ( Elfros , SK ), Wendy Stevenson ( Saskatoon , SK ), Karla Gervais ( Yorkton , SK ), Candace Blair ( Star City , SK ), Karen Wudrich-Mattock ( Leask , SK ) and Arlene Lockinger ( Humboldt , SK ). “ It is an honour to be able to help raise awareness for such an amazing cause . When we have hope , we can have a miracle ,” Candace Blair stated .
Following each woman ’ s story , a pinning ceremony was held and breast cancer survivors within the room were invited to the front to be presented with a pin from a member of the PWOS team . These pins are only worn by members of PWOS , and breast cancer survivors , making it a special honor to receive one . Martensville resident , and breast cancer survivor Jo Osczevski was presented with a pin from PWOS rider Karen Wudrick-Mattock . Both women embraced one another and shared an instant connection . “ Be kinder than is necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle ,” Wudrich-Mattock stated to the crowd .
Some important messages to take away from the evening was to ensure you do self-examinations , breast cancer is not gender specific , get regularly checked by a doctor and if you are not satisfied with your results , seek a second or third opinion until you are . “ When someone has cancer , the whole family and everyone who loves them does too ,” Karla Gervais said . The women also shared the importance of safe snowmobiling . PWOS President Kelly Rea took a moment to thank all of the sponsors that contribute to their mission . “ Every little bit helps . We couldn ’ t do this without the help from our sponsors who donate fuel , accommodations , food , equipment and much more ,” Rea explained .
The entire evening consisted of an outpouring of support and generosity , with the Saskatoon Snowmobile Club donating $ 1000 to PWOS , 50 / 50 winner Holly Brotzel donating her winnings of $ 250 back to the cause , and the Martensville & District Kinsmen Club doubling the 50 / 50 total of $ 450 . “ What an honor it was to be involved with such a wonderful group of ladies and such a fantastic organization . I can honestly say that it was one of my proudest nights as a Kinsmen member ,” Arnie Deschner of the Kinsmen Club stated . In total , the Martensville event helped to raise $ 4000 towards the cause . Of the total raised , $ 450 will go to the Canadian Cancer Society , $ 1775 to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and $ 1775 will go towards PWOS to help fund their mission next year . In total , the PWOS raised $ 144,406.36 this year with $ 47,875.68 going to the Canadian Cancer Society for breast cancer research and $ 96,530.68 going to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency for equipment in our provinces cancer centres . Since being established , PWOS has raised over $ 2.3 million for breast cancer research .
The PWOS are now accepting applications for Mission 2018 , with a May 1st deadline to apply to ride or join the pit crew .
ABOVE : PWOS Rider Karen Wuddrich-Mattock presents the PWOS pin to Martensville resident and breast cancer survivor Jo Osczevski . ( Shanine Sealey / Martensville Messenger )