Story by Sarah Campos

Participants in team roping events raise money for research during the Cowboys for Cancer event. (Photos courtesy of Cowboys for Cancer)

Cowboys are known for horseback riding, roping bulls and branding, but  in Las Cruces, they are also known for starting a non-profit organization called Cowboys for Cancer Research.

Cowboys for Cancer Research began 28 years ago when Las Cruces native Alma Cohorn died of breast cancer. To honor her memory, Cohorn’s family and friends decided to get together and host the first dinner and team roping competition to raise money to fight the very disease that took the life of a good friend.

According to Co-chair Geraldine Calhoun, the event turned out to be a success.

“As far as we know, the first event made about $700 or $800 dollars,” she said. “The people putting the event on were happy they could do something in honor of their friend Alma Cohorn.”

Committee donates funds

After the first event, Cowboys for Cancer Research decided to send the funds to the University of New Mexico Cancer Center with instructions that the funds be used by UNMCC where they were needed.

Not long after, Cowboys for Cancer Research committee members and the head of UNMCC decided to establish The Alma Cohorn/Cowboys for Cancer Research Endowment.

According to Calhoun, only the spendable portion of the earning can be used.

 “Because only a certain portion can be used, C4CR decides where this money is to be used, along with guidance from a group of doctors at UNMCC,” Calhoun said.

Several years ago, C4CR learned of a collaborative cancer research being done between NMSU and UNMCC. C4CR decided to support this research and chose to hold the dinner and roping competition in Las Cruces.

“The money raised is sent to the UNMCC to be deposited into the endowment, and the spendable portion of the earnings is sent back to NMSU to support the ongoing cancer research in progress,” Calhoun said.

Events

This saddle displays the Cowboys for Cancer Research logo.

C4CR holds a three-day fund raising event. Friday there is a dinner, dance and silent auction. Saturday and Sunday. A team roping competition and silent auction is held.

“The event is about fun, fellowship, family, and fundraising,” Calhoun said.

The event is held at the Dickerson’s Event Center with a western band, “The Delk Band,” providing the music. The team roping competition is held at the Sproul Arena, north of Las Cruces.

“Families come to visit, participate and raise money for a great cause. We have had as many as 1,500 teams from throughout the Southwest come to this very enjoyable event,” she said.

Main goal

C4CR’s main goal is to raise money to support cancer research.

“Cancer is a terrible disease. It touches so many lives, regardless of age, race, national origin, one’s position in life or the state of the economy,” Calhoun said. “Research is the way to finding a cure for this terrible disease.”

Learn more about C4CR, make your donation or request information at the organization’s Web site.