PUHI — Cancer is not limited to humans. Kachina’s ears perked up in the afternoon sun as she caught the sound of other horses whinnying while waiting for their riders. Unlike the other steeds Saturday, Kachina’s saddle pad was black.
PUHI — Cancer is not limited to humans.
Kachina’s ears perked up in the afternoon sun as she caught the sound of other horses whinnying while waiting for their riders.
Unlike the other steeds Saturday, Kachina’s saddle pad was black.
“She’s going to be part of the riderless horse ceremony so she can’t be with the rest of us,” said Tammy Pu‘u of the Kaua‘i All Girl Rodeo Association.
The KAGRA contingent’s role was to line the entrance to Kilohana Plantation atop their horses and welcome patrons to the second American Cancer Society’s Hoedown for Hope.
Kachina was diagnosed with a form of horse cancer, but following treatment and several operations the cancer went into remission, Pu‘u said. Kachina was then able to join other KAGRA members in offering horseback rides at the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Fair.
Wanda Shibata, a Hoedown committee member, said about 400 tickets were sold for the event. Although not sold out, Shibata was pleased in light of the tight economic times and the fact that St. Regis at Princeville was hosting a private gala the same night.
Last year’s Hoedown saw about 450 patrons raise $69,000 while enjoying an evening of western-style fun. The goal for this year’s event at the Kilohana Plantation lu‘au pavilion is $75,000.
“We know times are tougher, but cancer knows no recession and touches us all,” said Hoedown co-chairs Lisa Lewis and Michelle Emura in a release. “Your support helps us ease the burden of cancer on Kaua‘i.”
Mary Williamson said support for the Kaua‘i ACS office ensures programs and services for patients and families on Kaua‘i as well as helps national efforts in research and education that helps everyone.
New to this year’s Hoedown is the opening of the Koloa Rum Company which shares a building next to the Kilohana lu‘au pavilion. This year, its doors were open and lights were on, adding to the atmosphere of a western town as “Tequila Girls” solicited shots for donations.
Katie Beer, videographer for the event for ACS, said the Koloa Rum Company supplied the fruit punch and was open for patrons to inspect.
The honorees for this year’s event are the caregivers who are the unsung heroes supporting those who face cancer.
