"Tough Enough to Wear Pink"

The Waves of Hope had the honor of being part of the Canadian High School Rodeo. The directors asked for our help and in return they would promote our team and Breast Cancer Awareness. They kept their promise, as did we. Our jobs were to take admission, sell 50/50 and raffle tickets. Three team members even had the opportunity to set barrels. It was an absolute blast from start to finish. 

It has been some time since the Rodeo has had a "Pink Day" in Brandon. But did they bring it back in style. The directors wore the most amazing pink western shirts I have ever seen. I hope they get lots of use out of them, because they wore them well. The cowgirls loved the color of the day, as did the cowboys. Even some of the horses had a splash of pink. My personal favorite was the pink glitter on the back of a horse. It was a sea of pink everywhere that you looked. 

I always say that our jerseys are so bright you can see them from space. Everyone knew we were there. We had pink T-shirts made for our volunteers or the "Crew Support" as their shirts said. We set up our pink tent and it became a popular spot. We had cute little pill box giveaways, and a chance for a draw on our "Time and Talent" basket. We heard so many stories about cancer and the support from everyone was outstanding. 

The Pink Day was advertised as, "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" Breast Cancer Awareness. The organizers did as much as they could to promote the team and what we stood for. We were invited to be part of the opening ceremonies. We set up our pink tent on the best spot on the grounds. Every contestant that wore pink had a chance to win a pink "Yeti" mug. At the end of "Pink" day, there was a free barbeque with an opportunity to donate to the Dragon Boat team. What a surprise to be handed a lovey bag of money as well as other cash donations from people attending the rodeo. It was not meant to be a fundraiser for us, but the rodeo folk certainly knew how to give back. 

Times have changed. One of the older members said that when she got her diagnosis over 30 years ago, she was walking down the street when she saw her friend cross the street. She knew that her friend was avoiding her. People didn't talk about a breast then. 

At the rodeo, guys were at our tent chatting it up. Wearing the pink ribbon and putting their name in for the very pink basket. In fact, a young cowboy won the basket. His Dad said, "he loved it! He put the pink necklace on and hasn't taken it off". At that point he was not sharing any of the contents with the women in his life, it was his. 

Everyone at the rodeo knew that by wearing pink, they were not only tough enough, but they were also supporting breast cancer awareness. There is no doubt that cowboys and cowgirls are tough, but so is any woman that is given a diagnosis of breast cancer. She is "Tough enough to wear Pink". I'm just so proud of women and their strength. The members of the "Waves of Hope" are a perfect example of that strength.