Barrel race a success at Coulee City rodeo

COULEE CITY - A new event added to the Coulee City rodeo schedule was a major success.

The WBRA/WPRA Barrel Race for Breast Cancer was added to the slate of the 62nd annual Last Stand Rodeo and raised over $10,000.

Organizer Maria Pearson reported on her Facebook page that, before additional expenses were paid, the event raised $10,600.

"My doctor is probably going to fall off her chair," she said in a Facebook post. "I am so honored to have done this, no matter WHAT you hear cancer research is helping 1000s upon 1000s of people keep their lives."

Pearson, who is a breast cancer survivor, decided to put together an event to raise money for cancer research after the outpouring of support she received when she was diagnosed last year.

Pearson also wanted to make sure the race would help benefit cancer research as she currently uses a new research drug that has helped with her treatment.

"I wanted to give the money to research because I'm on a new research drug that has totally saved my life," she previously told the Herald.