Buddy Check February 2010: Ski for the Cure

KIDDER TOWNSHIP, CARBON COUNTY -- Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders took to the slopes at Jack Frost Ski Area to support "Ski for the Cure" Saturday.

"We're out here doing this for both our moms," said Brian Dailey of Glenside, along with Robyn Large of Abington.  "My mom's a survivor of breast cancer.  She just finished her treatment up two weeks ago.  And we just lost Robyn's mom two weeks ago to breast cancer."

Susan Large died February 11th.  Her husband of more than 40 years, Ron, tells us Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago and survived.  Susan was diagnosed again in November and lost her courageous battle three months later, just a few days before her daughter's 28th birthday.  But Robyn immediately took to the slopes to help spread the word about breast cancer awareness.

"We came here last Saturday and found out about it, and we're like, we've got to come back," said Robyn. "This is what we do."

Bernie Oldroyd, a breast cancer survivor herself, started the "Ski for the Cure" event here three years ago.  The event raised more than $22,000 in its first two years total.  This year alone, they raised more than $35,000.  Every penny goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and 75% stays in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

"We dedicate a run down the slopes to breast cancer survivors, to breast cancer patients at present time and their caretakers," said Bernie, "And also to those who have lost their battle to breast cancer."

That includes Susan Large, whose daughter is doing her part to spread awareness.

"Females have to have early detection," Robyn said.  "Feel the boobies."

And that's what the Buddy Check is all about.

***We regret an error in the story that originally aired.  Susan Large was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in November 2008, not 2009.  She fought a courageous battle, but the cancer eventually spread to her liver.  Doctors gave her two years to live, and she survived 15 months.***