The Dirtbagettes set to tackle the mud for cancer

May 20, 2015

Members of the team named The Dirtbagettes will be participating in the upcoming Mud Hero run, which will take place in Ottawa on June 6.

The team was out in full force for a fundraiser they held on May 16, armed with loads of fresh home-made treats that they were offering up to the local community and lucky travelers on Highway 7. The eight-member team, which includes runners from in and around Sharbot Lake and Lanark, will be taking part in the Mud Hero event for their first time and they decided to support cancer research, specifically the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, since many of the team and their family members have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer.

Team member Tammy Weiss of Sharbot Lake, who was diagnosed with melanoma last year, underwent surgery and was lucky enough not to have to undergo any further treatments.

Autumn Cameron of Lanark, also a member of the team, was diagnosed with a type of uterine cancer five years ago and underwent six months of chemotherapy. She has been cancer free ever since. Tina Sickling, another member of the team, and her nieces were participating in support of Tina's brother, who is currently battling bowel cancer.

It is the first year the team decided to do the run and they chose the Mud Hero run in Ottawa since, as Cameron pointed out, “It looks like a lot of fun and it is something we have been wanting to do for a long time now.” Tammy Weiss added that it seemed a no-brainer since the money they raise will support Ottawa cancer programs and research.

The 6km run, which has a total of 19 muddy obstacles, also includes a huge party afterwards with live music, food, beverages and lots of fun in the mud.

At the fundraiser on Saturday, the team offered up a wide assortment of baked treats including brownies, scones, cookies and more. The event also included a BBQ, lemonade stand and a car wash. A number of different Mud Hero events take place across the country annually and many of the donations go towards supporting local cancer programs where the events take place. For those who missed the fundraiser and would like to donate to The Dirtbagettes, visit http://bit.ly/1dcKGvg