Kelly’s Story: The Heart Behind the Trust

In the prime of her life, everything seemed perfect. At 34, Kelly Shires was happily married, expecting her first child, and thriving as a successful business owner. The future was bright and full of promise.

But that all changed at Christmas in 1996, when Kelly discovered a lump in her breast. Tests quickly confirmed the devastating news: she had breast cancer. What followed was a series of heartbreaking challenges, multiple surgeries, the loss of her pregnancy, the closure of her business, and ongoing chemotherapy.

Through it all, Kelly remained a strong and courageous woman with an incredibly big heart. Her journey, though filled with challenges, gave her a new perspective on life. She became determined to turn her experience into something meaningful, not just for herself, but for others walking a similar path.

From a heartfelt conversation with a close friend, the idea of a trust fund was born. Together, they began planning what would become the First Annual Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run for Fun—a snowmobile event to raise money for a cause deeply personal to Kelly.

The Snow Run Trust Fund was created to provide financial assistance to individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer, covering costs that aren’t included in extended healthcare plans. Kelly wanted the fundraiser to carry the theme of “Women Helping Women", a natural fit for the sport of snowmobiling, which she loved and where female participation was growing every year.

Kelly’s vision lives on through the Trust. Her strength, compassion, and passion continue to inspire us to help make the road a little easier for others facing breast cancer.

What Makes Us Different

There are many incredible events and organizations raising money in the name of cancer research but what we do is very different.

Born from a love of snowmobiling and a deep desire to help women facing breast cancer, the Snow Run is rooted in real-life experience. We’ve seen firsthand how difficult this journey can be, not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and financially. Fighting for your life is hard enough; worrying about how to pay for essential items shouldn’t be part of that struggle.

That’s why our mission is simple: to help women & men with breast cancer by providing financial assistance for the costs that health insurance often doesn’t cover. Whether it’s transportation to treatment, prosthetics, wigs, or other critical needs, we’re here to help make the road a little easier.

Through our charity and fundraising events, we also aim to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention. It’s about more than funding—it’s about community, compassion, and action.

Although we provide support year-round, our main fundraising event is a women-only snowmobile ride held annually on the first Saturday of February. Other key events include:

The TraX4 Breast Cancer ATV Ride – Held annually at the end of April or early May

Fore the Love of Pink Golf Tournament – Held each June

The Pink Dinghy Poker Run - Held each July

Making a Meaningful Impact

Since its beginning, the Snow Run Trust Fund has supported countless breast cancer patients across Canada, each facing their own unique challenges. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’ve been able to help women with the practical, everyday needs that come with a breast cancer diagnosis, needs that are often overlooked or not covered by insurance.

Funds raised have helped purchase prosthetic breasts, specialty bras, wigs, hats, medications, and many other essentials that bring comfort, dignity, and relief during treatment. In addition to supporting individuals, the Trust has also made contributions to cancer centres nationwide, helping to fund specific breast cancer programs and initiatives.

What started as a single snowmobile event and a heartfelt mission has grown into something truly incredible. The Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run has come a long way in a short time, and we’re just getting started.

Together, we're making a real difference, one ride, one woman/man, one act of kindness at a time.

How We Support All requests for assistance are carefully reviewed by our committee to ensure that funds are distributed thoughtfully and fairly, based on individual needs and the availability of resources. When funding permits, we’re also proud to support breast cancer programs at cancer centres and hospitals across Canada, extending our reach and impact even further.

Our goal is always to provide meaningful help, whether it's for one person or an entire community.

Supporting Breast Cancer Patients Across Canada — Thanks to You

Over the years, we've had the honour of walking alongside breast cancer patients, not only as they fight the disease itself, but as they face the often-overlooked financial challenges that come with it.

Thanks to your continued support, we've been able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and men from coast to coast, easing the burden so they can focus on what truly matters: healing.

Many people don’t realize just how devastating the financial impact of a breast cancer diagnosis can be—until it happens to them. Loss of income, mounting bills, and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses can quickly become overwhelming. And while some may have access to “critical illness” insurance, far too many aren’t aware of it, or don’t qualify, until it’s too late.

That’s where we come in.

Your donations provide essential support during one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. With your help, we’ve been able to assist with:

Wigs and prosthetics

Transportation to and from treatment

Lodging during treatment

Hospital parking costs

Counseling services

Food and nutritional support

Household bills and utilities

Rent and housing assistance

These aren’t just expenses, they’re lifelines.

Your generousity is the reason we can continue this vital work. Whether you’ve made a donation, volunteered your time, joined one of our events, or simply helped spread the word—we are deeply grateful. None of this would be possible without you.

Together, we’re helping make the fight against breast cancer a little less overwhelming—one patient at a time.

Download the Foundation Annual Report 2024