FOR THE LOVE OF PEAKS - B4BC & THE GHEE

In today’s hyper-polarized world, it is increasingly difficult to find topics which we all can agree on.  However, not all hope is lost. Division might seem to be at an all-time high but there are still two universally accepted truths: snowboarding and skiing are fun, and cancer is bad.

B4BC epitomizes both facts. Since 1996 B4BC has used board sports as a vehicle to spread valuable information to women on how to prevent and detect breast cancer, as well as offering a space for survivors (thrivers) to connect through nature-based experiences. 

Boarding 4 Breast Cancer was inspired by Monica Steward, who was part of the early snowboarding community. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her mid-twenties and tragically passed away a few years later from complications that arose from a delayed diagnosis. Her friends in the snowboarding community called on their community members to hold an event in her memory. In April of ‘96 the first ever B4BC snowboard + music festival was held. With pro’s Tina Basich and Shannon Dunn as spokeswomen, this event used snowboarding and music to not only honor Monica’s memory, but to also highlight the importance of early detection. The success of the event thus founded B4BC.

Many people, myself included, become familiar with B4BC through their fun events. These events provide the opportunity to purchase all kinds of swag from their booth as well as free educational information on the formula for best prevention. Early Detection + Active Lifestyle = Best Prevention. A personal favorite event of mine is It’s Tits, put on in conjunction with Snowboy productions at Timberline Lodge in Oregon. I was lucky enough to be working at Timberline last spring and got to ride the course as soon as it opened to the public. The previous 3 or 4 days had been a dedicated invite-only filming session. Every rider there brought so much creativity to the course, hitting features in ways I would have never thought of. Timberline was blanketed in pink the week of the event, with nearly everyone rocking B4BC beanies, hoodies, and shirts. Vibes were all time, the sun was shining, and the slushy spring park was firing. Some of my best memories from last summer were made lapping the It’s Tits Park with all the homies.

Another event which I was able to attend was Love Your Peaks held at Grand Targhee. Again, the spirits were high not just for the women participating, but for the whole resort. Everyone from lifties to park crew got involved with the festivities.

One of the highlights of the day was the Pink Poker Run, with pink mandatory and costumes highly encouraged. There were five stops around the mountain, with a card given at each stop. Whoever had the best hand at the end won a goodie bag, and more importantly, bragging rights. Then the Survivor Run had over 50 participants, all shredding down the hill together! As with many gatherings of skiers and boarders “loose but lit” was the theme of the day. 

I was able to speak with a volunteer at the event about her experience with B4BC. Macee is a first-year volunteer with B4BC and was inspired to give back after her diagnosis in 2020. Happy to say that today she is cancer free! When asked what her favorite part of being a volunteer she said, “Being able to represent women with breast cancer as well as survivors. I met a woman who was recently diagnosed and was honored to help her see that there is life after cancer, its just cool to be an outlet and part of such a great organization.” What’s something that makes B4BC so great? “Just being an organization that promotes self-awareness and self-diagnosis, specifically for young people.” This is not typically an age-group that has much worry about cancer, making it all the more important that they are aware of the steps of prevention and self-diagnosis.

The ski and snowboard community was one which I was introduced to during my college years, much later than many of my peers. Winter sports simply weren’t on my radar growing up. Aside from the act of skiing itself, my favorite part of skiing is the incredible community of friends which also love to slide down snow covered mountains. The shared love gives a seemingly deeper level of friendship, with someone always there to pick you up, or offer advice on everything from life and love to when to spot the landing on a 3. B4BC adds another level to this, using a shared love of sport to bond through something other than shared trauma. From Macee, “The fact that there is a specific organization, who caters to athletes and gives more things to talk about besides just cancer, like how the ride was sick, helps make it more than cancer. It’s hard to stay away from the “cancer talk” like we’re more than just cancer, it’s nice focus on the boarding aspect instead.”

B4BC is a thriving community, full of love and strength.

“Of course friends and family have always been there for me through treatment, but the connection of being able to relate stories and have true experiences with other women. Being able to talk about losing my hair or going through chemo and the negative effects that has on the female reproductive system. Other people who haven’t been through cancer have a hard time understanding, even in a small capacity, what I’m dealing with. It’s about that connection, being able to relate.” - Macee M

Written by Blake Chainey