Cancer. A nightmare for some, and a reality for others. No one knows this better than sled inspiration Stephanie LaRoy Schwartz. Schwartz, along with her friend and fellow snowmobile enthusiast Darcie Downy, embark on a seven-day, seven-city Tracks for Cancer journey every two years. This year’s is the third fundraising trip the duo—along with their fathers—have participated in, with the goal of raising $30,000 for cancer research. Tracks for Cancer doesn’t focus on a particular type of the disease, but reaches out in hopes of helping to find a cure for all cancers.
Schwartz knows cancer all too well, for between the time she applied to participate in this adventure for the first time and being accepted, she was diagnosed with brain cancer. Nothing can prepare you for that diagnosis, she said.
“It was the most frightening moment of my life,” said Schwartz, “almost surreal. Then you make the decision to move forward.”
Schwartz attributes much of her forward drive to the sport of snowmobiling. With perseverance and strength she pushed forward through treatment, and is now in full remission. Determined to make a difference, her nothing’s-going-to-stop-me attitude raises tens of thousands of dollars each journey for cancer research.
“Most families have at some time in their lives been humbled by the diagnosis of cancer,” said Schwartz. “We’d like to try to do our part, not only for fundraising, but for awareness.”
Schwartz has two aunts who are cancer survivors.
“Life changes quickly, and sometimes it all comes down to hope,” she said.
The support Tracks for Cancer receives from each community is astounding. From Athabasca to Tumbler Ridge, rarely do participants ever ride unescorted, as locals fire up their snowmobiles and travel along in support of their efforts. Eager to support Schwartz and Downey, communities across Alberta and British Columbia donate not only money, but lodging and supplies and more, ensuring that 100 per cent of the proceeds go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Many manufacturers, companies and snowmobile clubs have graciously donated money, accommodations and prizes for raffles. There are only 1000 tickets sold, directly by Schwartz and Downey. First prize is $3000, with other prizes including a Klim Gear bag, an HMK pack, Glacier House Lodge accommodations and more. Find the Tracks for Cancer page on Facebook for more details.
The outpouring is phenomenal, Schwartz said.
“So many individuals and businesses call to offer support before being approached for donations,” said Schwartz. “The spirit of generosity is incredible.”
As the women snowmobile across British Columbia and Alberta with their fathers, the rest of their families lend a hand, driving from town to town and offering mechanical, emotional and physical support when need be. Schwartz’s husband Todd drives along with her mother as part of the pit crew and for moral support. For that entire week Todd shuts down the couple’s business to be there for his wife, doing everything he can to help.
We can all make a difference. Find the girls on Facebook or on Schwartz's Canadian Cancer Society donation page.
