AQHA World Trail Sponsorship Has Special Meaning For Cancer Survivor, Jill Newcomb
By: Brittany Bevis
During last night’s Rein In Cancer ceremony, the announcer asked members of the crowd to stand if they knew someone who was currently being affected by cancer. Almost the entire crowd rose to their feet. There was applause, and a few tears, but this simple gesture showed how cancer touches all our lives, either directly or through our family and friends.
One person in the stands who knows this firsthand was Jill Newcomb, who, along with Murray Griggs, sponsored the Senior Trail finals and has done so for several years following her own cancer diagnosis back in 2009.
“In 2009, I had breast cancer and a double mastectomy right after the Congress,” Jill says. “I came home from the Congress, had my surgery, and five days later, I showed here. Being able to be here and to have a goal made my cancer surgery not such a big deal.”
Since that time, Jill’s cancer has returned, twice. But today, she is healthy, happy, and very thankful to be here at the World Show, as a sponsor, exhibitor, and cancer survivor. “Pretty much the whole crowd stood last night. It’s really special to be here and to have a purpose.”
Prior to the Senior Trail class, there was a special presentation on behalf of Rein In Cancer, an organization that was created in January 2012 by co-founders, Shorty Koger, Tracie Anderson and Cheryl (Magoteaux) Cody as a way to prove direct financial assistance to those in the horse industry who are affected by cancer.
To date, the entirely volunteer-based organization has raised over a million dollars, primarily through fundraisers like last night’s frisbee toss. For a few dollars, spectators could purchase a pink frisbee for the chance to win a 100X hat from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery. On the announcer’s signal, participants were instructed to throw their frisbees at the center of the arena at a Shorty’s hat box. Thanks to the generosity of Rein In Cancer and Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, TWO 100X hats were presented to the lucky winners whose frisbees landed closest to the box.
It was certainly a fun event, but it had a much bigger purpose than just entertainment. “After my surgery, Shorty and Bobbie sent me flowers and a check, at the beginning. It really is a great organization.”
“Trail is my favorite class, but sponsoring the class has a lot more meaning than that. It gave me a reason to get through surgery and to get my head on straight.”
Our thoughts and prayers of support and healing go out to anyone in the horse industry who currently has family or friends that are being affected by this devastating disease.
