Rope 4 Hope – October 25 & 26, 2014

Kathi Greeman wearing her "hat rack" as she calls it – she lost both of her breast to cancer in 2008 -- on her horse Puddin' making a turn around their second barrel at the Rope 4 Hope, Baird Arena, Cliff, NM. Photo Courtesy Alaina Dunivan

People living with cancer are faced with life and death decisions when it comes to being able to afford their medications, treatments, and day-to-day expenses. Gila Regional's Medical Surgical Director Denice Baird, R.N, and her husband, Sherman, who own the Baird Arena in Cliff, New Mexico, did something about it.

They created a non-profit event, Rope 4 Hope. Funds raised are used to ease the burden of Gila Regional Cancer Center patients who are experiencing financial hardship due to their cancer treatment and help provide mammograms to uninsured women in Catron, Grant, Hidalgo and Luna Counties.

"Our intent is that no patient should have to make a choice between necessary treatment and meeting their financial obligations, namely food, fuel, or utilities," said Denice.

Rope 4 Hope relies on the community, many sponsors and volunteers. Money is raised through T-shirt sales, raffle, dinner and silent auction. Admission to the competitions is free to the public, and competitors' entry fees are paid through to the winning riders. It has grown to attract top barrel racers and roping teams from surrounding states.

Put on your pink and join the sixth annual Rope 4 Hope on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26, 2014. Check online at rope4hope.org.