Golf fore the Cure

Golfing fore the cure: Phyllis Abramenko,
Sherry Kinoshita, Lana Zoratti, Pat Friesen
T. Lucas image

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

60 women took to the greens of the Pincher Creek Golf Course to raise some green for the 7th annual Pincher Creek 'Golf fore the Cure' event during the evening of July 9. This event is held all across Canada to raise money for breast cancer research.

There was a shotgun start on all 9 holes, with a best-ball format of play for all lays.  Along with warm weather, good company, and gentle breezes this contributed to it being an outstanding day.


Each woman paid $25 to enter the tournament in Pincher Creek.  There were a variety of fundraisers along the way including raffles, a 50/50 draw, and games on the course and specialty holes.  According to organizer Linda Johnson, "The money raised goes directly to breast cancer research.  Golf Canada does this as a service, across the country."  This meant that there are big prizes on the table to be won by someone in Canada.  A trip to New York, and a two night stay in Las Vegas with a round of golf and a backstage meet and greet with Celine Dion are two of the national prizes available.

There were also local sponsors that donated prizes to the event.  This included tickets for two to the Stampede for Brad Paisley and The Band Perry, as well as tickets to Johnny Reid, helping create a fun filled atmosphere for the evening dinner.

Local retired Librarian and Teacher Betty Smith was the guest speaker for the evenning and was pleased to speak about the cause that means so much to her.  She has golfed at the event for the last three years, and in early June she had a mammogram and a lump was detected.  Smith was filled with words of hope and courage for all women.  "There is so much hope.  Breast cancer is not nearly as scary now.  Most women survive, and lead active, healthy interesting lives."  She has had an expedient experience with her situation.  The lump was removed June 26. She has the pathology report available to her letting her know what the next steps in her recovery will be, less than two weeks after the surgery.

Smith wanted to stress the importance of mammograms.  Even after she was made aware of the growth, she could not detect it.

The Canadian Cancer Society advises "If you are aged 40 to 49 and are at average risk of breast cancer talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening with mammography.  Some women have a greater risk of developing breast cancer because of their family or personal history. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor about whether you should get tested more often or starting at a younger age."