A Legacy of Compassion
From a local snowmobile run to over $9 million raised for patients in need.
The Legacy of Kelly Shires
Life could not have been better. Kelly was 34 years old and with her husband Ken, they were running a successful dry land boat facility, the future was looking great. Suddenly around Christmas in 1996, Kelly found a lump in her breast. She saw the doctor the next day and it was quickly determined that she had breast cancer. This was one of the most emotional and difficult times of her life. Not only was she dealing with a life threatening illness, she was also pregnant with her first child. Within a week, Kelly had four surgeries, terminated the pregnancy and began six months of chemotherapy.
Forging ahead
Ken & Kelly gave up their business in Mississauga. There were many reasons but the main one was her cancer diagnosis. They knew they had to make some changes, so they moved to a nice little residential area on Georgian Bay to begin a less hectic lifestyle. Kelly knew from the beginning of this journey that she was going to do something to help others with breast cancer. One thing she had discovered was that the costs for items not covered under extended health plans were financially burdensome. She knew first hand what it was like to deal with the emotional, mental and physical stress that breast cancer patients and their families are faced with, but adding the financial stress was overwhelming,
THE SNOW RUN IS BORN
One fall evening, Kelly’s good friend, Suzy Stenoff, visited Ken & Kelly for dinner. After dinner Kelly & Suzy were sitting on the deck over-looking Georgian Bay. They were discussing all of the challenges that Kelly had faced and was facing during her battle with breast cancer. They decided they wanted to change that for others. Kelly was determined to turn her diagnosis into something good! They first considered having a golf tournament, then could not hold back their laughter at how they would host a golf tournament when neither knew a thing about golf! As they continued to brainstorm this, Suzy noticed Kelly & Ken’s snowmobiles which were off to the side and covered. She asked Kelly about her passion for snowmobiling and just like that they idea for the Snow Run was formed. Kelly wanted the theme to be an all-women snowmobile ride – Women helping women! The concept would be to ride the trails and raise awareness at the same time raising funds to help financially assist those diagnosed with breast cancer. The first Snow Run (January 2000), the event was essentially “rained out”! However that did not stop the spirit if the women who still came out and helped raise $10,000. The event has continued to grow since and continues today.
THE FUTURE
October 31, 2004, Kelly lost her 8-year battle with breast cancer. She had faced her battle head on and through her passion, she had managed to enlist a great group of volunteers to carry her dreams forward. Kelly dreamed that one day there would be an event in each province, which has been a tough challenge. In 2006, with the determination of past Director, Isabelle Dusastre the Quebec Chapter was formed (in 2014 the Quebec chapter joined forces with Ruban Rose to help continue offering financial assistance in Quebec). In 2010, the Trax4 Breast Cancer ATV event held its inaugural event and continues strong today, this event is open to be male and female participants. In 2012 the first Fore the Love of Pink Golf tournament held its first event and has been growing each year. Since losing Kelly, the Board of Director’s continues to carry her dreams and legacy onward. Over the years, they charity has helped those diagnosed with breast cancer with a wide variety of necessary expenses, items ranging from home care, child counseling, prosthetics, wigs, hats and ore. Thank you for helping our applicants make the battle against cancer an easier one for them to fight. Together we ARE making a difference. In loving memory of an extraordinary woman who was determined to make the journey though breast cancer less challenging for others. Kelly wanted us to celebrate her life and we continue to do that through her dreams. Gone but never forgotten!
Our story, from friendship to movement!
Our Story: The Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run From Friendship to a Movement
The Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run was born from the determination of two friends who believed they could make a difference.
When Kelly Shires was diagnosed with breast cancer, she experienced firsthand the emotional and financial toll of the disease. But instead of letting cancer define her, Kelly chose to fight back — not just for herself, but for others.
Together with her close friend Suzy Stenoff, Kelly co-founded the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run for Fun — a women’s snowmobiling event created with one powerful goal: to provide financial assistance to breast cancer patients across Canada.
From securing a charity license to organizing and promoting the inaugural event, the duo turned a personal struggle into a community-driven mission. Their efforts built the foundation of a now-national organization that continues to grow, driven by a passionate team of volunteers.
Kelly’s dream? To have a chapter in every province in Canada, ensuring help was never out of reach.
Carrying the Legacy Forward Sadly, Kelly Shires lost her courageous 8-year battle with cancer in the fall of 2004. But her legacy lives on.
Today, Suzy Stenoff, co-founder and dedicated champion of Kelly’s vision, along with a committed Board of Directors and volunteer team, continues to lead the charge in supporting patients across the country.
Together, we’ve helped thousands of breast cancer patients by easing the financial burden of the disease, from coast to coast.
Why We Exist
No one plans for cancer. And when it comes, the costs are more than emotional or physical — they’re financial.
While some may have access to critical illness insurance, many aren’t aware of it, can’t afford it, or learn about it too late. Meanwhile, bills and basic needs don’t stop. Many breast cancer patients are left struggling with:
Lost income
Travel costs for treatment
Special medical supplies
Day-to-day living expenses
That’s why what we do matters so much. We’re here to help patients through the hardest moments of their lives — with dignity, hope, and compassion.
How We Help
Thanks to generous donors like you, we provide financial support for a wide range of needs, including:
Wigs
Prosthetics
Transportation to treatments
Lodging during medical visits
Hospital parking
Counseling services
Nutritious food
Household bills
Rent and housing support
“These are not luxuries — they are lifelines during treatment.”
Each year, we support approximately 500 breast cancer patients across Canada.
Thank You
Your generosity makes all this possible. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply share our mission, you’re helping us make a real, lasting impact.
Together, we are fulfilling Kelly’s dream — and giving hope where it’s needed most.
More about The Foundation
For deeper information about how the Foundation operates and its guiding principles, explore the sections below.
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.