Flathead Valley equine event supports cancer causes

The Event at Rebecca Farm remains one of Montana's leading fundraiser for cancer patients.
The Event is a three-day equestrian competition at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell. As part of the event, Halt Cancer at X is a local initiative that funds breast cancer research and support services.
Funds for this year were raised at The 2016 Event at Rebecca Farm. All grant applications submitted, totaling approximately $60,000, were fully funded. Created in memory of The Event at Rebecca Farm’s founder, Rebecca Broussard, her daughter, Sarah Broussard, launched Halt Cancer at X in 2012. The initiative’s name comes from dressage — where the first movement requires horse and rider to halt at X, a station marked in the arena.
To date, Halt Cancer at X has contributed more than $325,000 to national cancer research and local support services for cancer. Local groups that benefited last year include Flathead Cancer Aid Services, Cancer Support Community Kalispell, and the Flathead Valley Cancer Chicks.

First time recipient, Save a Sister, was awarded the largest grant at $24,000. The Save a Sister initiative is a collaboration among Kalispell Regional Healthcare, North Valley Hospital and the Flathead City-County Health Department. Founded in 2008, Save a Sister improves women's access to screening mammography, educates the community, and promotes breast cancer awareness. The $24,000 grant will allow Save a Sister to establish a screening and support program for women at high-risk of developing breast cancer.

Cancer Support Community of Kalispell was awarded $21,000. Cancer Support Community of Kalispell provides a full range of support services for youth and adults affected by cancer. These services include healthy excursions, cooking and nutrition classes, education, professionally led support groups and more. Last year, the organization built the Halt Cancer at X Kitchen, which hosts cooking classes and provides a welcome space for those affected by cancer to seek support and learn about food and nutrition.

Cancer Support Community of Kalispell will use funds to expand the current services they offer. The organization will also use funds to begin implementing horse-healing workshops, family-oriented camping opportunities, and a weekend retreat for cancer survivors.

A third recipient, Flathead Cancer Aid Services, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to cancer patients, was awarded two grants totaling $10,000. One grant will help fund daily living expenses for breast cancer patients. The other will provide financial assistance for healthy nutritional food and supplements to those affected by cancer.

Flathead Valley Cancer Chicks received a grant of $3,000 to help expand their annual, overnight local wellness retreat for cancer survivors. A portion of the funds will also be used for publicity outreach.
Halt Cancer at X’s primary focus is breast cancer, but in the Flathead Valley, with its unparalleled setting and close-knit community of medical services, funds for breast cancer often serve a dual role by providing resources to those with other forms of cancer. By the close of 2016, Halt Cancer at X will have contributed almost $140,000 to benefit local community programs.

The Event at Rebecca Farm, presented by Montana Equestrian Events, is held every July in Kalispell, Montana. The largest equestrian triathlon in the United States, The Event is also considered to have some of the world’s finest scenery. Each year it draws hundreds of riders of all levels, from amateur to Olympians. •