I’m really excited for 2025’s Ski and Ride for a Cure! This will be my sixth year participating as a skier on Team Cooney Fam Ski, but I’ve been a supporter for even longer. Skiing with my family is one of my favorite things, and this event makes it even more special. It also reminds me of my Grandpa Mike, who passed away from pancreatic cancer before I was born. He loved skiing with my dad and uncle, and I love hearing stories about him. This event helps me feel connected to him and to so many others affected by cancer.

I take part in this fundraiser to honor family members we’ve lost, support those still fighting, and help fund research and care. Cancer is something I wish no one had to go through, and I want to do my part to make a difference.

This fundraiser supports two amazing organizations:

• Willamette Valley Cancer Foundation – This foundation helps cancer patients and their families with financial assistance so they can focus on treatment instead of the costs that come with it.
  “See Ya Later” Foundation – Seeds of Hope – This program provides support for children and families when a child or parent is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. They offer meaningful experiences, essential gifts, and services to make life a little easier during such a difficult time.

To raise money, I also host “Treats for a Cure”, where I help my mom bake cookies and brownies, and we make hot chocolate with whipped cream. Also this year we added cupcakes, rice krispies, some new cookies, and hot cider.I love seeing family, friends, and neighbors come out to support this cause!  I appreciate all the people who came out to us this year. 8 years going strong of the sale. Some even bring bags of cans to donate for recycling money, which is such a cool way to help. Special thanks to my mom and dad for helping my sister and me.

I can’t wait to hit the slopes this year and see how much we can raise for this incredible event! Thank you for your support!

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We all have our reasons for doing things in life.

My reason for doing Ski & Ride for a Cure is simple—I do it for the joy. I do it to see family and friends. I do it to raise awareness. I do it for those who can’t. I do it for past family members who have died of cancer. I do it for my dad, who has cancer. Ski & Ride for a Cure is something that I will never forget.

My family started participating in Ski & Ride for a Cure in 2017 with my dad. Then, in 2018, my uncle and I joined. In 2019, more family and friends participated, and even more joined in 2020.

My sister and I wanted a way to help donate, so in 2017, we started Treats for a Cure. My mom bakes a lot of delicious treats and makes hot cocoa. We open our garage and invite the community for one day, and all the money is donated to our Ski & Ride for a Cure fundraising page. This year was our 9th time, and we were able to raise over $1,000! Thank you to everyone who supported us!

The world went into lockdown the weekend after the 2020 Ski & Ride for a Cure event. Knowing we couldn’t host our treat stand in 2021, but still wanting to raise money, my sister and I started collecting cans as another way to fundraise. We continue to do so today!

My family looks forward to Ski & Ride for a Cure every year. We remember the loved ones we have lost to cancer, honor those still fighting, and celebrate the ones who have overcome it. My Mom, Nana, Uncle Patrick, and Dad tell us stories about my Grandpa Mike, who passed away from pancreatic cancer before I was born. We also remember and share stories about my Nana's late husband, Pete.

To me, Ski & Ride for a Cure is a time to remember, honor, and heal. It is a time to celebrate the lives of loved ones we’ve lost and to appreciate the people around us. I’m looking forward to being out on the slopes again—together, we can finish cancer!