CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Summerside native Samantha Gallant remembers the moment her brother Terry won the Governor’s Plate in 2008.
It was a special moment for the family as Gallant walked her mother Ruth “Rudy” Gallant, who was battling breast cancer, onto the track to celebrate.
Although Rudy died three months later, celebrating the win together was a special moment for the family.
“When he won I got to walk mom across that track to celebrate with our family and for moments, we forgot about cancer,” said Gallant, who now lives in Halifax.
Now, Gallant is hoping to spread some faith to others whose lives have been affected by cancer with a racing event called Harness the Hope P.E.I. at Red Shores in Charlottetown on July 27.
“My goal is to raise some hope and some faith for Islanders and some funds along the way.”
Proceeds from the event will go to the Canadian Cancer Society in support of battling breast cancer in P.E.I.
Gallant adopted the idea for the event from the Dustin family who hold the same event in London, Ont.
“When I had the opportunity and I saw this, I thought we could make this just incredible here,” said Gallant, who is organizing the Charlottetown event with the Dustin family.
Cancer is still a part of Gallant’s life.
Her brother Mike “Pinky” Gallant is also battling cancer right now.
She said a benefit recently held for him was heartwarming and she hopes to recreate those feelings for other Islanders at Harness the Hope P.E.I.
“I want people to not feel alone,” she said
The event is a regular card night with 12 races. There will be draws, prizes, a silent auction, a penny auction and more throughout the evening.
People are encouraged to wear pink because there will be a prize for the best dressed.
This is the first year the event is being held in P.E.I.
However, Gallant said she hopes to keep it going.
“We’re really, truly believing at this point that we’re going to do this annually,” she said. “I know it’s been wonderful so far. The support has been amazing and everybody is getting on board.”
Companies can sponsor blankets made by Dustin family members that the horses will win that night.
People can donate to the event at redshores.ca or on the Canadian Cancer Society website.
“We’re still certainly looking for donations and sponsors,” said Gallant.
More information can be found on the Facebook page Harness the Hope P.E.I.
