Kim Hyshka knows how devastating cancer can be. She鈥檚 lost her mother and mother-in-law to pancreatic and breast cancer, repsectively.
鈥淸It鈥檚] close to home,鈥� she said.
Her experience with the disease is motivating her to ride across the icy Saskatchewan prairies on a snowmobile early next year.
Hyshka, a native of Rhein, is part of the Prairie Women on Snowmobiles鈥� (PWOS) 2018 mission. The group, formed in 2001, raises money and awareness for breast cancer research. All proceeds raised go towards the Canadian Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. They haveraised over $2 million.
PWOS鈥檚 missions involve trekking across the province with snowmobiles. In 2018, they will launch off from Regina Beach on Feb. 4. For the next five days, they will cover roughly 1400 kms, making pitstops in towns before finishing up in Estevan on Feb. 9.
Hyska has been snowmobiling for years, so PWOS鈥檚 mission is a natural fit for her.
鈥淚 just filled out my application, they accepted me, and [we] went from there,鈥� she said.
As part of her role in PWOS, Hyshka is raising funds for cancer research. She hosted a dinner night at the Tonkin Curling Rink on Dec. 1. They served perogies, sausages, and deep-fried pineapples.
Hyshka darted around the kitchen, making sure聽 the cooking staff were on task and their customers were well-fed.
鈥淭his is my very first time with Prairie Women doing a fundraiser this way,鈥� she said.
The dinner raised $2000.
Hyshka plans on hosting more fundraisers in the near future, including a possible painting night. She appreciates the generosity of people who鈥檝e given money to the cause.
鈥淚 want to thank the donations I received,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ith Prairie Women, the money stays in Saskatchewan.鈥�
