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Category: Local Events Local Events
Published: 05 October 2013 05 October 2013

At right, last year’s Open Barrel Racing winner Wendy Grant Church with Rope 4 Hope founder Denise Baird.  Photo by Alaina Dunivan

Below, Kathi Greenman, breast cancer survivor, races around one of the pink barrels that marks the Rope 4 Hope field.  Photo by Alaina Dunivan

We save for vacations, but for future cancer treatments? Gila Regional’s Medical Surgical Director Denice Baird, R.N. noticed that treatment patients from outlying areas often cancel their chemotherapy appointments because they cannot afford to travel to Gila Regional Cancer Center.

Denice and her husband, Sherman, who own the Baird Arena in Cliff, NM, did something about it. They created a non-profit event, Rope 4 Hope. Funds raised are used to ease the burden of Gila Regional Cancer Center patients who are experiencing financial hardship due to their cancer treatment and help provide mammograms to uninsured women in Catron, Grant, Hidalgo and Luna Counties.

 “Our intent is that no patient should have to make a choice between necessary treatment and meeting their financial obligations, namely food, fuel, or utilities,” says Denice.

Rope 4 Hope relies on the community, many sponsors and volunteers. Money is raised through T-shirt sales, raffle, dinner and silent auction. Admission to the competitions is free to the public, and competitors’ entry fees are paid through to the winning riders. It has grown to attract top barrel racers and roping teams from surrounding states.

Put on your pink and join us at the 4th annual Rope 4 Hope on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, 2013. Check online at www.rope4hope.org.

Do you know how to do the breast cancer exam shower test? Gila Regional will send you a free “shower card” if you call 575-538-4067 or email your name and address to lhowell@grmc.org.