No matter the day or situation, the rodeo community comes together for a good cause.
Such was the case Sunday at the Superheroes Can Fly Barrel Race for Lila May fundraiser event held in The Dalles.
“I am blessed to be a part of the rodeo community and I am thankful to raise my family in it,” said event coordinator, Brandy Schanno. “It really is a close-knit community. If you need anything, all you have to do is say the word and everybody just comes together. That’s the way these people are. It is really something special. I am glad that Lila got to be a part of it. She was able to feel the joy and the love from the rodeo community.”
Money was raised for five-year-old Lila May Schow, who was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma cancer on September 12, 2012.
The disease, which is very rare, attacks the nervous system of young children and can quickly spread through the entire body.
Lila was given an examination that found a mass in her stomach. She then went to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for testing that revealed the presence of cancerous tumors.
Schow has spent the last two years of her life battling cancer and five rounds of chemotherapy, three of radiation and eight surgeries, in addition to a bone marrow transplant.
Although radiation killed one of her tumors, the one in her acoustic canal was unaffected by treatment and is now growing.
In May, the family went to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Michigan for an experimental treatment.
“I can’t even begin to say anything about Lila without me crying. She really is a true inspiration. She is so brave,” said Schanno.
Through the year, community members have stepped up to the plate with a fundraiser Mom Prom, Scott Zagarino paddled from The Dalles to Portland to raise awareness for childhood cancer and Butler Bank Social Club held a birthday princess ball in Lila May’s honor on July 31.
There are plans to hold a poker tournament at The Dalles Country Club later this summer and law enforcement personnel from Washington and Oregon are raising money for Lila May in this year’s Pig Bowl in September.
“I am very proud of The Dalles and Hood River for putting this event together,” said Summer Woodside of Sunday’s fundraiser.
She also commended the work of Hood River natives Jodi Jones and Crystal Beam.
“TD and HR together really are a power couple if you will, ‘sister towns,’” Woodside added.
Once Schanno received the blessing from Lila May’s mother, Heidi Hall, to hold the barrel races, Schanno sent word out to her rodeo community looking for generous donations.
They responded with money donations to purchase buckles, clothing, jackets, gift packages, baskets, cakes and pies and other items for a silent auction.
Water’s Edge, of The Dalles, also donated gift prizes.
Taco Wagon, Belle Star Boutique, as well as DT Designs were on hand, and Sarah B. Anderson snapped photos of Sunday’s festivities.
Sunday, the day started with the singing of the National Anthem, then Lila May entered the arena dressed in her pink cowboy hat surrounded by cowboys and cowgirls donned in superhero outfits.
Lila May went through her own barrel race and won special engraved belt buckle with her name on it. She also won a jacket for herself and her sister.
Schanno, Kim McCray, Hannah Olheiser, and Debbie and Nellie Wilkinson, to name a few local barrel racers, raced in the arena with Lila May announcing the play-by-play.
“Everybody was happy. It was just a wonderful day,” Schanno said. “It was special circumstances, a sad one, which brought everyone from the rodeo community together. Everybody was happy and excited and joyful and very giving. I wish everybody could have a day like we had yesterday (Sunday). It was an awesome day for an awesome little girl.”
Lila May was also able to pet some calves, rode on a tractor during re-paving of the arena grounds and was involved in every activity during the event.
Schanno said she is ready, willing and able to put on another rodeo event in Lila May’s honor.
“This was such a rewarding experience,” Schanno said. “All they have to do is ask and I would give my right arm for that little girl. She is the sweetest thing ever.”
To make donations, check can be sent to Lila May, P.O. Box 125, Hood River, OR. 97031.
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