Say the word cowboy and things like lassos, boots and hats come to mind. But cancer may not be the first thing.

This Saturday, cancer and cowboys will share the ring at the Cowboy Up for a Cure Rodeo. 

Not only is the event a fun way to spend Saturday night, it’s a way to give back to those experiencing pediatirc cancer. 

The event was founded after UK students from the UK Rodeo Team, Alpha Gamma Delta fraternity for women, and Farmhouse Fraternity teamed up with the Shryock family to help them create a signature event for their fundraising efforts.

Drew Shryock was diagnosed with Leukemia at 4 years old. His mother, Rebecca Shryock, was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity and a UK graduate. Drew and his brothers showed cattle, making a rodeo the perfect way to fundraise in Drew’s name. 

According to Sherri Eden, an advisory board member at Cowboy Up for a Cure, people should come to the event, “to support those families that are undergoing treatment.”

The money raised goes to UK’s Providing Assitance with School (PAWS) program, which helps rehabilitate and re-assimilate young cancer survivors back to normal life. The PAWS program is a part of the Dance Blue Hematology and Oncology Clinic. Drew Shryock was treated at the clinic, and he is a member of the first class of the PAWS program.

Eden said the rodeo goes beyond “For the Kids” and supports the children after their trips to the clinic end. Often, the idea is that cancer ends with the final chemo treatment, but cancer creates a lifelong impact on both those diagnosed and their families. The PAWS program helps kids deal with side effects and painful remnants that pills cannot fix. 

“The dedication (from UK staff) … doesn’t just end when treatment ends,” Eden said.

The rodeo, held at the Horse Park Alltech Arena, will have traditional rodeo events, like barrel racing and bull riding, from 3 Bar J Rodeo Company. According to Addison Lowry, Rodeo chair for Alpha Gamma Delta, this will be the largest rodeo 3 Bar J has ever held – there will be more than 200 riders participating in traditional events. And watch out for sorority and fraternity members participating in a greased pig contest at intermission.

Also, before the event begins, 98.1 the Bull will be broadcasting live and giving away prizes. Kids can play in an inflatable village, and there will be rodeo lessons from the UK rodeo team for children.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at cowboyupforacure.org or at the gate on Saturday. If attending the event isn’t an option, those interested can donate online. 

Lexington Souers is the features editor of the Kentucky Kernel.

Email [email protected]