Traci's Hope continues fighting breast cancer in Broome and Tioga Counties

By: Wendy Post 09/28/2008

When Traci Gibson lost her battle with breast cancer on Oct. 3, 2006, just days before a scheduled fundraising event for local families, she left a legacy behind.

Gibson began the annual event, known as Traci's Hope, so that others in the community would gain the support they need, and to inspire hope. That community support continues today.

On Oct. 4, the Traci's Hope 5th annual fundraiser will take place at Hickories Park in Owego from 1 to 7 p.m. Also, for a 2nd year, a motorcycle run will be held to raise additional funds for the cause.

The motorcycle run will gather at Hiawatha Motorcycles on Rt. 434 for registration between 10:45 and 11:45, with an 80 mile ride, escorted by members of the Owego Police Department, departing at noon. Breakfast will also be available that morning beginning at 9 a.m. at the Wheel's Roadhouse Cafe located adjacent to the motorcycle shop.

Don and Billie Jo Wheeland formed the ride last year to help out and raise additional dollars. According to Billie Jo, last year's ride brought in several thousand for Traci's Hope in addition to the thousands raised at Hickories Park. "It's a very good cause," said Wheeland. "Traci definitely had the right idea and it's a good way to help out people locally," she added.

The ride will end at the Traci's Hope event at the Hickories Park in Owego where guests will already be on hand enjoying music by Highway Fruit Market, a BBQ, and a raffle table filled with prizes. Admission to the Hickories Park event is $12 per adult and $5 for children six to 12 years old.

Dollars raised support local families that are dealing with cancer in paying for routine expenses such as daycare, mortgage payments, or even groceries.

To learn more about Traci's Hope you can visit her website located at www.tracishope.com.