Touchdown for Dreams - Archive

2023 Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams

Michele Strocen's dream

Photos can help tell a wonderful story.

The ‘before and after’ pictures of Michele Strocen’s living room in her Saskatoon home help tell the story of her journey through the Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams program.

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Initially diagnosed with lymphoma, Michele chose to move to the Bridge City to be closer to family and her medical team. “We were fortunate to find the home that we did in Saskatoon, but it was missing the fireplace that I had in my previous home,” Michele says. “So, I decided to make this my dream since home is very important to me.”

After adjudicating applications from cancer patients across Saskatchewan, the partners behind the program selected Michele last spring and began the search to find the perfect contracting firm to make the dream a reality.

Thankfully, the owners of Bella Vista Developments stepped forward – and transformed Michele’s living room.

“I am thrilled with the end result and would recommend the contractor to everyone,” Michele exclaims. “It has been very enjoyable this winter. A very special thank you to Cameco, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Bella Vista Developments.”

Bev Lutz's story

Bev Lutz was almost speechless when NHL superstar Sidney Crosby walked towards her in a quiet hallway at ice level in PPG Paints Arena – the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins. On that Saturday night in December, Bev’s dream was coming true in front of her eyes.

Almost 10 months earlier, Bev had applied to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan to have her dream granted through the Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams program. Her dream was to watch Sidney Crosby play a home game in Pittsburgh.

“I was at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina receiving my chemo treatment when I got the phone call that my dream was going to come true,” remembers Bev. “The smile on my face when I called my family that I was a winner did not go away for that whole day.”

Bev wanted to share her dream with her entire family, so her husband, two sons and daughter-in-law were by her side when the family was flown to Pittsburgh to watch the Penguins play the Buffalo Sabres in December.

Wearing her Sidney Crosby jersey, Bev departed a downtown Pittsburgh hotel 90 minutes before opening faceoff that Saturday in an Uber ride knowing she would see her favourite player on the ice that night – but she was completely unaware of the surprises to come in the next few hours.

Quietly in the background for weeks, the Penguins organization and their community ambassador/broadcaster, Colby Armstrong (a former Saskatoon resident), were planning for her visit.

Bev arrived to the arena and received her first surprise: luxury box tickets for her entire family next to centre ice. Armstrong then surprised Bev with a visit to the box during the third period.

But the best was yet to come when Crosby surprised Bev with a private meet-and-greet outside the Penguins locker room at the conclusion of the game. After scoring two goals and being named first star, Crosby left Bev searching for words when he introduced himself and handed her an autographed puck from the game.

“The best surprise was meeting Sidney. Having the dream come true helped keep my mind off the (cancer) fight,” says Bev. “I still talk about that trip every time I am watching a Pittsburgh home game on TV.”

Bev is battling lung cancer and regularly carries an oxygen tank. But after meeting Crosby on that memorable night, she declined an offer for an Uber ride back to the hotel. As she left the arena, she practically floated the eight blocks home to the hotel.

The Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams program is a partnership between Cameco, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

2022 Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams

Haylie’s Story

When she received word to show up at Mosaic Stadium on October 6th, Haylie Bro, the first dream recipient in the 2021 Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams program, had absolutely no idea what was coming.

The sixteen year-old Grade 11 student from Regina has an aggressive form of brain stem cancer which was diagnosed earlier this year.

A bright, vibrant young woman, Haylie is determined to keep life as normal as possible while she undergoes treatment.

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She continues her school work during treatments and uses her artistic talents to convey feelings about her cancer.

Mature beyond her years, Haylie’s dream application was modest and pragmatic. She simply asked for repairs for her family’s only vehicle, which they need to travel to medical appointments. Right now, they’re using a borrowed car.

At Mosaic Stadium, Haylie and her family, were presented with a surprise. Rather than repairing their old vehicle, Haylie was given the keys to a brand new SUV – on lease for two years from the Capital Automotive Group.

Haylie and her mother Danita Gilmour were overcome with emotion at times when seeing their new vehicle.

When asked what the dream means to their family, Danita said it best:

“This allows us to breathe.”

2019 Touchdown for Dreams

"Thank you Rider Nation...you guys have the biggest hearts!" Laurel Downey said at the 2019 Pink Game on October 5th. Pink toques, the 2019 promotional merchandise sold out before kick-off! Thank you indeed, Rider Nation.

Over the past seven years, 48 women from all across Saskatchewan have been granted a dream while in the middle of a significant battle with cancer.

The Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams program is a partnership between Cameco, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

The program is granting wishes to nine women with life-threatening cancer in 2019.  These are their stories.

Betty Anne Williamson is one of nine recipients in this year's Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams program. Watch as her dream of a new backyard deck becomes a reality.

Laurel Downey used to be ashamed to have friends & family over to her house due to three types of flooring. Watch her dream of new hardwood floors come true.

Ashlee Pashovitz's dream of a new veranda was granted through this year's Cameco Riders Touchdown For Dreams program.

2018 Touchdown for Dreams

Record Setting Game Day

Cameco volunteers at the 2018 Pink Game helped to raise $40,000 to grant dreams to cancer patients.  Thank you to Rider Nation, who purchased a record number of pink merchandise items from our volunteers!

Eight women with cancer received dreams through the 2018 Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program which is a partnership between Cameco, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. 

These are their stories.

When Verna Blocka dreamed about attending all of the Saskatchewan Roughrider away games in 2018, she never dreamed she'd make such a great friend..

Prince Albert's Verna Blocka is one of eight dream recipients in Cameco's Touchdown for Dreams program in 2018. Verna's dream was to see all Roughriders away games in 2018.

Saskatoon's Jennifer Vrinten is one of eight dream recipients in Cameco's Touchdown for Dreams program in 2018. Jennifer's dream was to travel to Ireland with her husband.

Fond du Lac's Evelyn Mercredi is one of eight dream recipients in Cameco's Touchdown for Dreams program in 2018. Evelyn's dream was a family trip to Toronto.

Frontier's Shannon Peacock is one of eight dream recipients in Cameco's Touchdown For Dreams program for 2018. Shannon's dream was to have a new deck and enclosed structure in her backyard.  

Estevan's Nicole Elliott is one of eight dream recipients in Cameco's Touchdown For Dreams program for 2018. Nicole's dream was to see her son play water polo in California and to watch all the Roughriders home games. 

White City's Lisa Korchinski, is one of eight dream recipients in Cameco's Touchdown For Dreams program for 2018. Lisa's dream was to spend the summer at a lakefront property with her family.

Lisa Korchinski, a 2018 dream recipient, talks about the support she's received since becoming involved in Cameco's Touchdown for Dreams program.

The first Cameco Touchdown for Dreams recipient of 2018 was Outlook's Amy Ziegler. Watch her story here.

Find out why the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program is so close to the heart of Saskatchewan Roughriders' defensive end, Willie Jefferson.

2017 Pink Game

Thanks to Rider Nation, the annual Cameco Touchdown for Dreams pink game was a success.

Another $25,000 has been donated to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency after Cameco volunteers sold pink blankets at the Oct. 27th Saskatchewan Roughriders game in Regina. A partnership between Cameco, SCA and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Cameco Touchdown for Dreams makes dreams come true for women with life-threatening cancer.

Susan's Dream - 2017

Susan Harty's dream request is something you would see on a reality TV show.

The 50-year-old mother of a teenage daughter asked for a kitchen makeover in her Regina home.

In the midst of battling life-threatening cancer, Susan applied to the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program hoping her wish would come true.

Thanks to an amazing donation from Bella Vista Custom Kitchens, that dream became a reality this week with a major renovation.

After Susan moved out of her home on Sunday afternoon, Bella Vista staff and Cameco volunteers worked day and night until Thursday morning to complete the makeover – which includes new flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting, paint and more.

Valued at nearly $40,000, this type of kitchen makeover would typically take a month. But given the special dream request, Bella Vista brought it to life in four days.

Entering its sixth year, Cameco Touchdown for Dreams is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Cameco.

• The program has granted 33 wishes during its first five years.
• Due to tremendous support from Rider Nation, the program will grant seven dreams this year.
• The Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program visited the Mosaic Stadium at the Oct. 27th game, where Cameco employees, Rider wives and Cancer Agency staff sold pink Roughrider merchandise to fans. Sale profits are used to help make the dreams come true.

2017

Cameco Touchdown for Dreams is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Cameco and the Saskatchewan Roughriders designed to help make a difference in the fight against cancer. 

The Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program includes these components:

Fulfilling Dreams

• Fulfilling the dreams of women with a life-threatening diagnosis of cancer is one component of the program.
• Every woman should have the opportunity to see her dream come true, to hope, believe and experience her greatest vision.
• Applications for the 2017 Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program have now closed and are being reviewed.

Supporting the Work of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency

• Each spring a gala is held in Saskatoon as part of the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams Program. The proceeds from this event help support the work of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

Making a Difference

• Each October in Regina, funds are raised from the sale of pink merchandise to fulfill the dreams of women with a life-threatening diagnosis of cancer. Together with your help, we can make their dreams a reality for women with a life-threatening diagnosis of cancer.

2016

October 21, 2016

The Saskatchewan Roughriders, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Cameco are granting seven dreams this year to women with life-threatening cancer.

The 2016 Cameco Touchdown for Dreams recipients are:

Holly Wilton – Stoughton – motorcycle trip through Canadian Maritimes

Teresa Nelson – Regina – whale watching off B.C. coast

Gail McCrimmon – Meadow Lake – to mark her 25th wedding anniversary, she received her first set of new living room furniture

Myra Carleton – Swift Current – Mediterranean cruise

Sharon Sigfusson – Martensville – Alaskan cruise on her 35th wedding anniversary

Andrea Kapronczai – Saskatoon – family trip to B.C.

Martha Moberly – Turnor Lake – tickets to NHL game (remainder of dream being granted this fall)

While this program is a partnership between Cameco, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Rider Nation plays a big role.

At Saturday’s Saskatchewan Roughriders game at Mosaic Stadium, fans will be able to purchase a special Cameco Touchdown for Dreams/Rider-branded pink scarf for $20 with all profits helping make dreams come true. Cameco employees, Saskatchewan Roughrider wives and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency staff will be selling the souvenirs before kickoff.

May 31, 2016

A look behind the scenes at Cameco's 2016 Touchdown For Dreams Gala.

Holly Wilton’s strength and courage while battling three different types of cancer has made her this year’s first dream recipient in the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program.

A 46-year-old mother of three children from Stoughton, Holly’s dream is to travel through the Maritimes on a Harley Davidson.

Thanks to the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program – which grants dreams to women who have been diagnosed with life-threatening cancer - that wish will become a reality this summer.

First diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008, Holly received a second diagnosis of cancer near her bowel in 2013. After five surgeries, 27 radiation treatments and 28 chemo sessions, Holly is now being treated for liver cancer.

Constantly showing a positive attitude, Holly is sharing her story before her dream is granted this August.

Cameco introduced its first dream recipient for 2016 on May 31 in Saskatoon. Holly Wilton is a 46-year-old mother of 3 who has battled three types of cancer since 2008. Holly's dream is to travel through the Maritimes on a Harley Davidson with her husband.

Entering its fifth year, Cameco Touchdown for Dreams is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Cameco.

• The program has granted 26 wishes during its first four years.
• Due to tremendous support from Rider Nation, the program will grant seven dreams this year.
• The Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program visits Mosaic Stadium for the Oct. 22nd game, where Cameco employees, Rider wives and Cancer Agency staff will sell pink Roughrider merchandise to fans. Sale profits will be used to help make the dreams come true. 

2015

Marla's Dream

June 9, 2015 - Marla Cole has had a dream for 12 years – and it is about to come true.

Since founding the Amati Quartet as the first violinist, Cole has wanted a professional recording and CD.

Thanks to the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program – which grants dreams to women who have been diagnosed with life-threatening cancer - that wish is becoming a reality this year.

A remarkably talented musician, Cole was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer in December 2014. Shortly afterward, friends and family, including Marla’s two teenage children, put together an application to the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program.

The recording sessions started last month in the Emmanuel Anglican Church and continue this fall, with Marla planning to give all proceeds from CD sales to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

Read full media release

Watch more videos:

Touchdown for Dreams 2015 Gala

Cameco Touchdown for Dreams ambassador Marla Cole shared her inspiring story on June 11th during the gala at the Delta Bessborough Gardens.

Marla’s Journey

“Music keeps me going. Having a project to work on, having that focus, is what I need right now.”

Follow Marla Cole’s journey as she gets closer to her dream of completing a recording with the Amati Quartet. Cameco Touchdown for Dreams is a partnership between Cameco, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency which helps fulfill dreams for women facing a life-threating diagnosis of cancer.

Cameco Touchdown for Dreams Program Expanded

January 28, 2015 - Thanks to an outpouring of support from Rider Nation and a unique corporate partnership, the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program is expanding.

For the next two years, the program will grant seven to ten wishes each year to Saskatchewan women with a life-threatening diagnosis of cancer. The goal will be to direct $7,500 to $10,000 toward fulfilling each dream.

The increases are due to the generosity of Rider Nation and a new two-year deal between Cameco, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

The dreams are funded and become a reality through:

• Rider fans purchasing pink souvenirs at the annual Cameco Touchdown for Dreams pink game - where all profits go to the program. In total, Rider Nation has contributed almost $90,000 from souvenir sales in three years.
• Cash donations and staff volunteer hours from Cameco.
• Financial and in-kind donations from people across the province who have been touched by the program.

“This program gives all of us an opportunity to honour these brave women in ways that are personal and direct,” said Tim Gitzel, president and CEO of Cameco. “I have seen the difference it makes and we are delighted to continue the program for another two years.”

Applications for potential 2015 dream recipients can be submitted through the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency website starting today. Applications close March 31.

"We are pleased to be continuing our relationship with Cameco and the Saskatchewan Roughriders," said Scott Livingstone, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. "This program allows us to make a real difference in the lives of patients and families in our province."

The first of this year's dream recipients will be announced at the annual Cameco Touchdown for Dreams gala in Saskatoon this spring.

“Cameco Touchdown for Dreams touches the Rider Nation in such a special and heart-felt way which makes us all proud,” said Steve Mazurak, VP of sales and partnerships with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

A date for the annual pink game in Regina will be announced after the CFL schedule has been released.

And watch for the unveiling this spring of a mobile unit in northern Saskatchewan that will be used to help cancer detection and spread awareness education. The mobile unit has been purchased from funds raised through the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams gala. 

Read full media release

2014

2014 Dream Recipients Announced

The Saskatchewan Roughriders, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Cameco are in the process of granting five dreams this year to women with a life-threatening diagnosis of cancer.

The 2014 Cameco Touchdown for Dreams recipients are:

Read full Media Release

Leslie's Dream Project

Leslie Cunningham is this year's ambassador for the Cameco Touchdown For Dreams program. Watch how Cameco employees and local contractors all pitched in recently to make her dream come true.

A Dream Gala - 2014

The Cameco Touchdown For Dreams program celebrated its recipients past and present on May 28 during the 2014 gala at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon. Leslie Cunningham, the program's 2014 ambassador was introduced, along with the rest of the 2014 dream recipients Barb Obed, Lisa Duncan, Marilyn Young and Colleen Lorenzen.

Proceeds from this annual spring gala help grant the wishes of women living with cancer and funding for a mobile cancer screening unit to travel through northern Saskatchewan.

2013

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Cameco Touchdown for Dreams

Cameco Touchdown for Dreams 2013 – In Memory of Shirley

Cameco staff and local community volunteers helped grant another wish in the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program.

During the second week of October, 2013, Cameco employees were in Quill Lake, Saskatchewan putting on a barbecue in memory of Shirley Sametts, who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year. As part of the event, family members cut the ribbon on a new memorial gazebo in Shirley's honour, which was hand-built a few weeks earlier by Cameco volunteers and local residents.

It's all part of the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program.

2013 Ambassador – Tracy Doell

The Saskatchewan Roughriders, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) and Cameco announced the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams 2013 ambassador – and granted her wish on May 29th. 

Tracy Doell – 42-years-old from Saskatoon with incurable stage four lung cancer – asked for a very unique dream to come true. Knowing she has been given a life expectancy of 8-19 months, she asked for a lease on a convertible Ford Mustang. Thanks to VWAG, that dream came true with a 24-month free lease.

As the 2013 ambassador for Cameco Touchdown for Dreams, Tracy delivered the keynote address at the May 29th fundraising gala. She will also be at Mosaic Stadium for the Saskatchewan Roughriders' pink game on October 19th where Cameco employees, Rider wives and SCA staff will sell pink Roughrider merchandise to game-day fans. Sale proceeds will be used to help make the dreams come true.

2012

2012 Ambassador – Megan Wells

Megan Wells, a 27-year-old mother of a two-year-old, is this year's first recipient of a dream-come-true.

Megan, who was diagnosed with a rare form of oral cancer a year and a half ago, asked for improvements to her home, to make life more comfortable for her and her young daughter, as she continues her cancer journey.

North Ridge Development volunteers and nearly 50 Cameco employees worked together, along with support of many other local organizations, to make Megan's wish come true.

Watch Megan's reaction to the big reveal in this video as she takes her first look at a brand new kitchen, freshly painted walls and beautifully landscaped yard on June 22nd. We hope these improvements will help the cancer survivor enjoy life with her young daughter after a difficult year of treatments.

Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program announces dream recipients

The Saskatchewan Roughriders, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Cameco today announced the dream recipients in the Cameco Touchdown for Dreams program.

The program grants five dreams each year — for the next three years — to women with a life-threatening diagnosis of cancer.

Amanda Ringdahl (31-years-old from Outlook, SK), Shawna Frederick (33-years-old from Moose Jaw), Vel McMillan (44-years-old from Regina), Lisette Dubuc (54-years-old from Alida) and Megan Wells (27-years-old from Dundurn) are this year's recipients.

Megan has already received her dream, while the four remaining dream projects are now underway.

At Saturday's Saskatchewan Roughriders game at Mosaic Stadium, fans will be able to purchase special Cameco Touchdown for Dreams/Rider-branded merchandise for $10 with proceeds helping fulfill the dreams of each recipient.

Cameco Touchdown For Dreams Program Helps Saskatchewan Women Fight Cancer 

The Saskatchewan Roughriders, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) and Cameco have announced the Cameco Touchdown For Dreams program -- a new three-year partnership designed to help women across Saskatchewan fight cancer.

The Cameco Touchdown For Dreams program features two components that will impact Saskatchewan women:

• Each spring in Saskatoon, the Cameco Touchdown For Dreams gala will raise money for the Cancer Agency to purchase a new mobile unit to travel to northern Saskatchewan communities to test women for cancer and provide cancer prevention education to youth. The first gala was held on May 24th, 2012 at the Delta Bessborough and featured a one-hour private performance by Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo.
• Each October in Regina, the Cameco Touchdown For Dreams program will visit Mosaic Stadium, where Cameco employees will sell pink Roughrider merchandise to game-day fans. Sales proceeds will be used to help make a dream come true for five courageous women with a life-threatening diagnosis of cancer. The October 20th home game in Regina has been designated for the Cameco Touchdown For Dreamsproject.

Megan Wells, a 27-year-old mother of a two-year-old, is this year's first recipient of a dream come true. Megan, who was diagnosed with a rare form of oral cancer a year and a half ago, has asked for improvements to her home in Dundurn, to make life more comfortable as she continues her cancer journey with her daughter. North Ridge Development Corporation, Cameco and its employees will make Megan's dream come true in June.