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Barrel race returns to BUST cancer!

Cancer doesn’t rest during a pandemic, so neither will this lingerie shop’s annual fundraiser
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The “Let’s Bust Cancer” Barrel Race, hosted by Busted Ladies Lingerie, takes place on Sept. 12 at Galloway Arena, Ponoka County. (Photo: Corina Cowie “Art Of All Trades”)

Not only is a cancer diagnosis terrifying and painful, it’s also dehumanizing. Your life is reduced to numbers on a chart, and your body goes through changes that make you feel like a stranger.

Ponoka resident Jan Jenkins says she quit looking in the mirror when chemotherapy took away all her hair. But then she took a one-day course called Look Good Feel Better and learned to use makeup to bring her personality back. She learned how to apply eyebrows and eyelashes and connected with other women experiencing the same challenges.

“The program took me to a different place,” she says.

Jenkins is a friend of Busted Ladies Lingerie owner Sherry Gummow, who has been fundraising for Look Good Feel Better through their “Let’s BUST Cancer Barrel Race” since 2017. The barrel race jackpot is going ahead as planned, despite the myriad of other challenges this year.

“Cancer doesn’t take a rest just because we’re on lockdown,” Gummow says.

Any woman undergoing treatment for any kind of cancer can access the “Look Good Feel Better” workshops, just like all women are welcome at Busted Ladies Lingerie.

“We support many fundraisers and programs in the community; we believe that community involvement is important for every business,” Gummow says. “This year it’s definitely harder for non-profits to raise funds, and I just love the “Look Good Feel Better” initiative.”

Fundraising and fun for all ages and abilities

Over the years the Let’s BUST Cancer Barrel Race has raised around $10,000 for “Look Good Feel Better.” Funds have also been raised for the Ponoka FCSS Cancer funds, and have helped a Busted Ladies employee with her cancer treatment.

“The barrel race has been very well supported by the community over the years,” Gummow says.

The Let’s BUST Cancer Barrel Race is an open barrel race, so anyone with a horse can potentially enter the event; entrants pay an entry fee and the pot is split between winners and the charity. The silent auction is an additional opportunity to help raise funds.

“Every cent of the jackpot proceeds this year is going to ‘Look Good Feel Better,’” Gummow says. The proceeds from the silent auction items will again go to the Ponoka FCSS cancer funds. Gummow organizes the event, with the help of a few friends and family.

This year’s race hosts competitions in three divisions: Open, Youth and Peewee. The goal is to bring together riders of varying speeds and skill levels in a fun event for a good cause. The event will follow Alberta Health Services guidelines, and also includes a silent auction for more chances to get involved and raise funds.

This year’s event takes place on Sept. 12 at Galloway Arena, Ponoka County. Check the Let’s BUST Cancer Facebook page for the latest updates.

For a custom fit bra that makes you look and feel good shop Busted Ladies online, in store at 5024 51st Ave. in Ponoka, or call 403-790-2878.