Ida DeHaas may have lost her battle with cancer, but her dream of supporting other cancer patients lives on in a big way. DeHaas was instrumental in starting Ride for a Cure at D Bar D Ranch in Chase, an annual event that has now raised over $230,000 for cancer patients – with more than $28,000 raised last year despite COVID-19.
Ride for a Cure benefits Spectrum Health’s Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center in Reed City. The funds provide needed programming support and services at the facility’s wellness center, such as free wigs, bras, massage therapy and transportation assistance.
DeHaas’s family members and friends at D Bar D Ranch are busy planning this year’s event. Trail rides, wagon rides, camping, a pig roast, a silent auction and live music will again highlight the event. Multiple horseback trail rides and horse-drawn wagon rides will occur on Saturday, September 11. A four-hour trail ride begins at 1 p.m., with a two-hour ride starting at 2 p.m. Multiple wagon rides also leave at 2 p.m. for those without a horse. Cost is $25 per person.
Many participants camp at the ranch and enjoy a full weekend of activities, including a fun speed show and DJ on Friday evening, and live music by the Stolen Horses Band on Saturday evening. A silent-auction tent will operate throughout the weekend. The event concludes with a pancake breakfast from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 12.
For more information, please visit the website at www.dbardranchmichigan.com/ or contact Laurie Alighire at laurie.alighire@spectrumhealth.org or 231.592.4280.
*Large group riding along the tree line
*Trail riding through the woods
*Large group of riders gathering together
Again, for more information, or to get involved, please visit the D Bar D Ranch website at www.dbardranchmichigan.com/
