Kelly’s Heroes help women battling breast cancer with annual Snow Run

Close to 100 women, many dressed as superheroes, brightened up Hidden Valley Resort this weekend with splashes of pink for the 18th annual Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run.

The event was created by Kelly Shires and good friend Suzy Stenoff when Shires decided to turn her breast cancer diagnosis into something positive. She lost her battle in 2004 and Stenoff, friends, and volunteers have carried on with the event in her memory ever since.

“It’s hard to believe she gained her angel wings almost 13 years ago,” said Stenoff. “Thank you for being part of this and helping to carry her legacy on.”

To illustrate how important events like the Snow Run are, Stenoff asked a question usually asked at the opening ceremonies – how many in the crowd have been touched by cancer. Almost everyone raised their hand.

“Take a look around and see how widespread and how amazing what we’re doing here today and the impact you’re having by being here. We’ve all been touched by it in some way, shape or form,” said Stenoff. She then asked survivors to raise their hands to cheers from the crowd. “You are an inspiration. You give us hope.” And to those currently fighting breast cancer she said, “Take all the love and energy from today’s ride with you and know that your Kelly Shires Snow Run family supports you through all your journey.”

A moment of silence for everyone battling cancer was followed by a warm up to the event’s theme song, Shania Twain’s Man, I Feel Like a Woman.

The ladies then fired up their sleds to head out on a 100-150km route through Muskoka and Almaguin, returning to Hidden Valley Resort for a banquet later in the day.

The fundraising total for this year’s Snow Run hasn’t been calculated as of publication time, but last year’s even raised more than $400,000.

See video of the start of the Snow Run on Doppler’s Facebook page here.

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