Kick Your Sticks With Cancer continues fundraising tradition

Skiers of all ages came out to the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery on Jan. 26 for the annual Kick Your Sticks For Cancer event.

Kick Your Sticks For Cancer, previously known as Chicks on Sticks for a number of years, raised funds as well as promoted cancer awareness. In the beginning, the event was only limited to women participants. After bad winters, staff changes and dwindling numbers, organizers continued “Chicks On Sticks,” but decided to allow men to participate, according to Leavenworth Ski Club Marketing and Administrative Director Alex Brieger.

“We still weren't getting a lot of increased participation so this year we changed the name to 'Kick Your Sticks For Cancer,'” Brieger added. “The event originally raised funds for breast cancer but we wanted to make this donation a bit broader to support people in general with cancer.”

Although the name of the event is different, the mission remained the same. Brieger said proceeds from the event will go to pay for cancer care in the Wenatchee Valley for the Wellness Place. The funds will be used to provide gas cards, wigs, informational materials, and other means of support for folks who are affected by cancer.

The racing portion of the event was different from last year. The race course was reversed for the 2019 event. Races were divided into three main categories: a Kids 1L lap for children 9 years and under, and separate races for men and women. Both the women’s and men’s races were divided into age divisions, and 4K and 8K distances

Skiers made their way through the Icicle River Trails behind The Leavenworth Fish Hatchery. Many participants sported pink on their ski gear, while some had accessories like bells, ribbons and a viking helmet. Several skiers participated in the event as a way to support family members and/or friends affected by cancer.

Leavenworth resident Jessie Johnson brought her children and her neighbor’s kids to race in the event. Known as the “Shore Street Gang,” the young skiers raced in honor of Kathleen Brooks, who works for the Chelan County Public Utilities District and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

“I thought it went well,” Brieger said of the event.”We had a good turnout, it was great.”

Sister In Action Sports (SAS) CEO and President Pam Miller was the special guest for the event. Miller, a cancer survivor, shared her story about being diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma and how exercise and nutrition were the key to her survival. At the time of her diagnosis, Miller said her oncologist gave her a 3 percent, five year chance of surviving her cancer.

“I got a new oncologist and 10 years I’m still here, and I’m grateful,” Miller said.

Miller also encouraged everyone to support each other, and the community, especially during tough times.

“Enjoy every day, and enjoy the people around you,” she added.