The ninth annual Traci’s Hope motorcycle ride flag is presented to Gordon Shiner and Brian Gibson, Traci Gibson’s father and husband, at the Traci’s Hope BBQ on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Clear skies and bright, warm sunshine welcomed hundreds of guests to the 12th annual Traci’s Hope barbeque held on Saturday, Oct. 10. The event, held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Apalachin Field Day grounds offered a fun-filled afternoon of activities, raffles, great music and a legendary barbeque.
Traci Gibson was diagnosed with Stage 3b breast cancer at the age of 31 and lived with the disease for seven years. Traci’s Hope was her inspiration, a fund set up to help breast cancer patients lessen the burden of overwhelming expenses. Traci passed away on Oct. 3,
Children and families enjoyed the picture-perfect day at the Traci’s Hope BBQ at the “Fire Station” bounce attraction on Saturday, Oct. 10.
2006, and today family and friends carry on her mission.
Traci’s Hope is a non-profit organization which helps pay for expenses outside of medical bills, such as gas money to get to appointments, childcare, mortgage or utility bills, or house cleaning, to name just a few, and has helped 520 people to date in Tioga and Broome counties in N.Y. and Susquehanna and Bradford counties in Pa. Donating nearly $390,000 to date, all money raised stays within these counties.
Traci’s Hope encourages men and
From left, mother and daughter dressed in pink in support of breast cancer awareness, Lisa and Erica Vinson, enjoy the beautiful day at the Traci’s Hope BBQ on Saturday, Oct. 10.
women dealing with breast cancer to feel comfortable about stepping forward to ask for help. Individuals who attended the benefit were willing to share their personal stories.
Bobby Jo Zimmermann of Owego, N.Y. and her sister, Donna Gelatt of Montrose, Pa. attended the barbeque in honor and memory of their mother who received help from the organization.
Zimmermann shared, “It’s our way to give back.” Many people expressed that same sentiment.
The Traci’s Hope BBQ brings together family and friends, many of whom attend to honor and remember loved ones. From left, sisters Donna Gelatt of Montrose, Pa. and Bobby Jo Zimmermann of Owego, N.Y. attended the BBQ to give back to Traci’s Hope in honor of their mother who received help from the organization.
Laurel Carpenter, from Lisle, N.Y., drove about 30 miles one way to attend the barbeque. Carpenter is a breast cancer survivor and received help from Traci’s Hope to pay for her propane bills.
“It’s been two years and I’m feeling good right now,” said Carpenter, and added, “I’m thankful for receiving help from Traci’s Hope.”
Bernie Sabol is a cancer survivor and sported a pink bandana at Wheels Roadhouse / Hiawatha Motorcycles prior to riding his motorcycle to the Traci’s Hope barbeque. “Traci’s Hope is a great organization,” Sabol said, and added, “I’ve rode in every ride since it
Bill Chandler and Billie Jo Wheeland arrive with the Traci’s Hope flag at the Traci’s Hope BBQ on Saturday, Oct. 10.
started.”
Although the annual Traci’s Hope Motorcycle ride originally scheduled on Oct. 3 was canceled due to inclement weather, a good number of riders gathered at Wheels Roadhouse / Hiawatha Motorcycles on Oct. 10 for a ride through Apalachin to the Traci’s Hope barbeque. Riders still came from afar, including groups from the American Legion Riders of Post 1645 and the Triple Cities Choppers Club, both out of Binghamton.
The Lourdes mobile healthcare van was available to do on-site mammograms at the Traci’s Hope BBQ on Saturday, Oct. 10.
The Lourdes Breast Care mobile healthcare van was parked at the barbeque and provided on-site mammograms. Call the Lourdes central scheduling office at (607) 798-5723 or visit Lourdes.com for information about scheduling a mammogram elsewhere. A new feature called “In Quicker” helps individuals schedule mammograms with ease.
Another upcoming event which supports the Traci’s Hope organization is “Braziere’s for Hope,” scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The ninth annual Traci’s Hope motorcycle ride flag is presented to Gordon Shiner and Brian Gibson, Traci Gibson’s father and husband, at the Traci’s Hope BBQ on Saturday, Oct. 10.
at the Vestal Elks Lodge located at 2071 Vestal Parkway West in Vestal, N.Y. The silent auction will feature one-of-a-kind bras, custom gift baskets and various raffles, with all proceeds benefitting Traci’s Hope. For more information, contact Teri Bower at (607) 625-2558.
If you were unable to attend the barbeque, donations are welcome at any time, or if you are currently undergoing breast cancer treatment and would like to seek assistance, find more information about Traci’s Hope on Facebook, Twitter, and on the web at tracishope.com.
Click here to view more photos from the event.
