Celebrating 15 years, Traci’s Hope continues to inspire

The fifteenth annual Traci’s Hope Barbecue and twelfth annual motorcycle ride to Traci’s Hope is scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 6.

Guests will enjoy multiple activities, great music and a legendary barbeque from 12 Noon to 6 p.m. at the Apalachin Field Day Grounds.  

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children age six to 12. All proceeds benefit Traci’s Hope.  

For residents of Tioga and Broome Counties in N.Y. and Susquehanna and Bradford Counties in Pa., Traci’s Hope helps individuals undergoing breast cancer treatments pay for expenses outside of medical bills. Consideration is given to such items as gas money to get to appointments, childcare, mortgage or utility bills, or house cleaning, to name just a few.  

Gordon Shiner, father of Traci Gibson, the Traci of Traci’s Hope, commented, “Over $500,000 has helped more than 600 people since Traci started this,” adding, “She would be proud to hear that.”

Traci Gibson was diagnosed with Stage 3b breast cancer at the age of 31 and lived with the disease for seven years; she passed away on Oct. 3, 2006. Traci’s Hope was her inspiration, a fund set up to help breast cancer patients lessen the burden of overwhelming expenses.  

The event features the favorite ball drop game and nail drive competition, along with popular music played by a disc jockey. Raffle tables, a merchandise tent, and plenty of children’s activities are planned, along with a balloon launch at the conclusion of the event.

The annual motorcycle ride to Traci’s Hope will ride out of a new location this year. Participants are invited to gather at the Ransom Steele Tavern located at 552 Main St. in Apalachin, N.Y. along with organizers of the ride, the PANYC motorcycle club. Registration runs from 10:30 a.m. until noon, with departure time set for 12:30 p.m. Cost is $15 for riders and $10 for passengers. For more information, find “Punishers LE/MC PANYC Apalachin” on Facebook, or call (607) 258-0165.

Bikers come from afar for the annual ride, which encompasses some 60-75 miles. A record set in 2010, 375 bikers and passengers raised more than $8,000 for Traci’s Hope. 

Mike Liberty, Sr., owner of Ransom Steele, shared that he is looking forward to welcoming riders to the tavern this year. And like many others, the cause is near-and-dear to Liberty’s heart as he shared that he rode in previous Traci’s Hope motorcycle runs in honor of his sister who had undergone breast cancer treatments.  

Shiner also remarked that one of Traci’s wishes was her personal desire to get young people involved in the cause.  

An inspiring example of young people getting involved are two annual “Pink-Out” games played by both the girls’ and boys’ soccer teams at Northeast Bradford Junior / Senior High School (NEB), located in Rome, Pa. Student organizers seek sponsorships from area businesses, and in turn, sell commemorative tee shirts, hold a bake sale and a 50/50 raffle, along with other fundraising efforts. All monies raised benefits Traci’s Hope.

A special half-time ceremony at the girls’ Pink-Out game features high school players joining local recreation league youth players on the field for a balloon release in honor of those dealing with breast cancer.

The NEB community has been a faithful supporter of Traci’s Hope for many years, and in turn, Traci’s Hope has been able to help individuals in that area who are dealing with breast cancer.

Pink-Out games are scheduled Oct. 3 (girls) and Oct. 11 (boys) and both start at 4 p.m.

To learn more about Traci’s Hope or to seek assistance, visit www.tracishope.com, or find them on Facebook and Twitter.