Rodeo raises $55,000 for local cancer care in Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — The annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the Walla Walla Frontier Days PRCA rodeo raised $55,000 to support local cancer care programs, services and equipment at Providence St. Mary Medical Center, organizers announced.

The fundraising effort featured contributions from rodeo attendees and participants in a local business challenge. Members of the Whitman College baseball team also collected donations throughout the evening in memory of Jan Erickson, a former college staff member whose namesake fund provides no-cost mammograms to those in need.

During opening night festivities, local breast cancer survivors treated at the Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center received recognition from the announcer before a packed crowd.

All proceeds raised during the event will remain in the local community to support patient needs, treatment programs and medical equipment at the regional cancer center. Funds will also aid uninsured residents seeking free screenings through the Jan Erickson Lifesaver Fund.

“The remarkable support shown by our community through the Tough Enough to Wear Pink event demonstrates the power of people coming together for a common cause,” Patrick Reay, Providence St. Mary Foundation board chair, said in a statement. “We are honored by the contributions of donors, businesses, volunteers and caregivers whose generosity will help expand access to lifesaving cancer care.”

Tough Enough to Wear Pink is part of a national rodeo initiative aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and early detection. Donations can be submitted online at Providence.org/PSMF or mailed directly to the foundation.

Photo of Whitman College baseball team at Walla Walla Frontier Days PRCA rodeo(Courtesy Providence St. Mary Medical Center)

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Elkhorn Media Group