She would have been proud - Traci's Hope continues to grow in support throughout the community

On Saturday, October 4, over 1,000 guests gathered at Hickories Park in Owego to support Traci's Hope, a fund raising event established by Traci Gibson that raises dollars to ease the financial burden of local families that are dealing with breast cancer.

Arriving at the event in their own fashion were members of the Cruisin' Buddies from the Triple Cities. Over a dozen cars gathered in Vestal and then cruised on down to support the event.

According to Gabe Oakley, who arrived in his 1940 Dodge, the club likes to get involved in charity functions whenever they can.

"Hopefully showing up offers support," said Oakley. He also noted that he has a newer car on the road as well - a 1941 Chevy.

The second annual Traci's Hope charity run, that began at Hiawatha Motorcycles and the Wheel's Roadhouse Cafe, also brought an additional 300 plus guests to the event at Hickories Park and raised an additional $4,400 (figure as of Oct. 4).

Displaying the Traci's Hope flag proudly, the participants had excellent weather for their 70-mile ride that received support in the form of an escort from Owego Police Chief Rick McCulskey, Officer Chuck Hogancamp, and Officer Ralph Azersky.

As the motorcycles arrived at the event and paraded through the crowd, Rick Wallace, who was doing photography for Traci's website, commented that "Traci would have been proud."

Wallace wasn't the only one at the event that felt Traci's presence in the effort, and the strong community support surrounding her desire to help others.

Barb Rezmerski, from the American Red Cross, set up a table for early sign-up for the Traci's Hope blood drive in Apalachin on Oct. 10. According to Rezmerski, they met their quota last year with 37 whole and eight doubles. "Traci wanted the drive, so I promised her I would take care of it," said Rezmerski. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to learn how you can donate.

The Broome County Health Department's Southern Tier Cancer Services Partnership was also at the event to hand out information on pre-screening for cancer. According to Beth Slater, public health educator, the event is a great place to tell people about the program. You can learn more about the free screenings by calling 1-877-276-1019.

Over at the main event, Hi-Way Fruit Market, a local band from the Triple Cities, entertained guests. And Jamie Zizzy, lead guitarist, had a token from Traci that she keeps close to her music, as well as her heart.

Bearing a pink ribbon on her guitar strap, Zizzy explained why it was there and what it meant. "The year Traci put this ribbon on my guitar was the last year she was here," explained Zizzy. Traci Gibson lost her battle to breast cancer on October 3, 2006, just two days before the Traci's Hope event. Zizzy continues to proudly display the ribbon.

Eleven year old Heather Benjamin, from Apalachin, also had a story to tell. Selling lemonade from her new stand, Benjamin explained how she won it from a contest she entered.

According to Benjamin, contest participants had to explain what they would use the stand for. "I told them about Traci and her event," said Benjamin. She was very surprised, just a short time ago, when the stand arrived from California in the mail.

As of 2 p.m. on Saturday, Benjamin was selling lemonade and making money to support local families.

Traci's husband, Brian Gibson, helped out in all areas of the event, and remains inspired by the community support it continues to receive.

According to Gibson, Traci's fund has assisted approximately 125 individuals and their families in Broome and Tioga counties since it was established. "We help with rent, groceries, or anything that is needed," said Gibson.

"Today is going wonderful, and it couldn't have been done without all the volunteers and the community support," he added. "This is our biggest year yet."

Gibson did not have a count of how much was raised as of Saturday afternoon, but anticipated that it would near $50,000 or even higher. Gibson will announce the total when the final numbers are realized.

©Owego Pennysaver 2008