Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2018

Chicks n Chaps celebrates 10 years 2018 marks the 10 th anniversary of the Chicks n Chaps event at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Chicks n Chaps is a women-only rodeo clinic held in conjunction with Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night at the North Idaho State Fair and Gem State Stampede on Friday, Aug. 24. Through a hands-on clinic, participants will get a basic tutorial of the seven events of professional rodeo. Proceeds benefit the North Idaho Fair Foundation and the Kootenai Health Foundation. Last year, Chicks n Chaps raised $12,361 for the Cancer Patient Support Fund. Learn the ropes For more information and to register, visit northidahostatefair.com . Brighten someone’s day If you would like to support local cancer patients and their families, consider donating to the Cancer Patient Support Fund and call the Kootenai Health Foundation at (208) 625-4438 . To learn more about Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services, visit KH.org/cancer . has remained a constant: the kindness and compassion she receives with every visit. “The people here build you up,” Betty said. “It doesn’t matter how bad I feel when I come in—when I leave, I always feel better, lighter and cared for. They get to know your family and your story and really take time to answer your questions.” In addition to the support of her care providers and family, Betty receives support from the Cancer Patient Support Fund, a special fund through the Kootenai Health Foundation that provides essentials to patients undergoing cancer treatment, such as: • Nutritional supplements • Food and basic living expenses • Prescription and co-pay assistance • Emergency medications It even provides gas vouchers or other transportation assistance. Because of this fund, Betty is able to get transportation assistance when her family can’t be with her. Astrongwoman “Betty always brightens our day, and it makes me happy that we’re able to help provide transportation to her appointments,” said Jessica Blankenship, Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services social worker. “She’s so dynamic and involved in our community—she even won the Mary Cederblom Award for her dedication to supporting other cancer patients. Betty has persevered through becoming a widow and through cancer treatment; she’s a very strong woman.” In 2017, the Cancer Patient Support Fund helped 243 local cancer patients and their families. Since its inception in 2006, the fund has provided $438,024 in assistance. “I can’t drive at night or in the winter, so knowing that I can get to and from my appointments without relying on my son is a relief,” Betty said. “I can’t say enough how grateful I am for the care I’ve received over the years. I always say that the most important things to cancer survival are faith and trust in God, a loving family, and damn good doctors. I’ve had all of that and more here.” KH . ORG 7