Vintage snowmobile ride raises money for myeloma (12 photos)

Dozens of vintage snowmobiles were parked across from the Sylvan Valley Hall as riders registered for the annual Sylvan Valley Retro Ride.

The event, which has served as a charity fundraiser for more than 10 years, is raising money for myeloma research.

Organizer Pam Orchard was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2011 – a cancer of the plasma cells found in bone marrow – undergoing chemotherapy and radiation before undergoing a stem cell transplant in 2012.

“I am very lucky to not have had to take any maintenance drugs, because it’s the drugs that make things really bad,” said Orchard, who runs the event with the help of family members. “Mine has been in remission, and has been for six years – going on seven – which is wonderful, and I don’t have to take any medication.”

“I think I’m the only one in Sault Ste. Marie that doesn’t, so I’m really lucky.”

Last year, the Sylvan Valley Retro Ride raised about $2,000 for Myeloma Canada, which uses the money for myeloma research.

About 120 vintage sleds were registered for last year’s fundraiser.

“We keep the sleds to 1980 and older, because they’re not as fast and it’s a little safer,” Orchard laughed. “But everybody’s fine with that, and they spend hours getting them ready to go.”

Orchard and her sister also organize the annual March for Myeloma event in Sault Ste. Marie each September.

Proceeds from this year’s retro ride will act as a donation to the march.

“We have a support group in the Sault, and I have friends – like lots of friends – who have it, and are struggling,” Orchard said. “The money that Myeloma Canada takes in, a lot of it goes to research and development of drugs, and so just the chance that they may find a cure – it’s incurable, but they may find a cure for it.”

“That’s why I do it. I do it for everybody else, really.”

Myeloma Canada has been raising money for myeloma research since 2005.