Save the ponytail campaign

A Green River man who is trying to raise money for the 10th Annual Dean Quail Against Cancer Benefit and Run is faced with the possibility of cutting off his 26-inch pony tail.

Steve Barrera said the whole idea came about when he was chatting with volunteers for

Chariots of Light, a Christian motorcycle club.

For the past 10 years, the bike club has participated in the Dean Quail Against Cancer Benefit and Run. All of the proceeds they raise during their run goes to local residents who are fighting cancer. This year’s six recipients are Linda Doty, Laura Garrett, Roberta Meaz, Bruce James, Josie Cook and Laurie Macioszek.

The run will start at 8 a.m. at Restoration Ministries, 518 Elk St. in Rock Springs. Barrera said all who have bikes, hot rods or wheels are invited to join the group. He said after the run and Red Desert Roundup Parade the group will meet at Bunning Park for a free barbecue, door prizes and music by “Under Command Ministries” from Riverton.

According to a letter from Gene Emerson, Wyoming Chapter President for the Chariots of Light Motorcycle Ministry, “Our goal is to relieve some of the financial burden placed on those who are fighting this disease. To accomplish our goal it takes an army of people, and donations of money.”

So far the group has supported 26 local families; and would like to continue to do so.

“As you may well know, those who are suffering with an illness such as cancer can be burdened with the many costs needed to acquire treatment,” the letter states. “Some of the needs that monies donated provide for are fuel, food and lodging for when our recipients have to travel for chemotherapy treatment. Some of our recipients can no longer work and have no insurance to pay for medications and some can’t even pay monthly bills.”

Those who can’t make it to the bike run or barbecue will still have a chance to help the cause by eating pancakes. Applebees will host the Flapjack Fundraiser to support the Chariots of Light cause. On Aug. 1 from 8-10 a.m. residents can stop by the business for some pancakes. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce, Restoration Ministries or at the door.

Save The Ponytail Campaign

“The reason I am doing this is last year my wife was diagnosed with a brain tumor,” Barrera said. “She was one of the recipients. They were able to help us by raising money.”

“I was going to cut my hair last year,” he said.

His wife, lost all of her hair during chemotherapy, and he wanted to show his support by cutting off his hair, but both his wife and the folks at the Huntsman Cancer Institute told him not to.

Barrera said when he was chatting with volunteers from the Chariots of Light fundraising group he jokingly said that if they raise $1,000 he would cut his ponytail off.

“They all laughed,” he said.

He forgot about the whole thing until about one week later when he got a call from one of the volunteers saying they already had the $1,000.

“They came back to me and said I can keep my ponytail if I can raise $1,001,” he said. “So I am asking for family and friends help to keep my ponytail.”

That’s how the Save The Ponytail campaign started.

If Barrera can raise the $1,001 by Saturday, he can keep his ponytail. If not, during the Bunning Park barbecue, they will cut his ponytail off and donate it to Locks of Love.

“I only got like $70 and this is for a good cause,” he said. “This is such a good cause and these people really need our help.”

Barrera would hate to part with his ponytail, which is has been growing out for the past nine years, but a deal is a deal.

Money can be sent to save the ponytail to: Save The Ponytail C.O.L. , P.O. BOX 724, Rock Springs, Wy, 82901. For more information call 307-389-2389. Make the check payable to Chariots Of Light Rock Springs. In the memo on the check write STP (Save The Ponytail).