When you think of rodeo, you no doubt think of spurs and leather and black hats...

Certainly, you don't think of pink t-shirts!

But this year's Y's Men's Rodeo is sure to be decked out in pink.

That's because the rodeo contestants are helping raise money and awareness for a new cancer rehabilitation program. Debbie Kuehn has the story...

It's not just a way to shed a few pounds or tone some muscles. Doctors now say exercise is a great way to get over fatigue and depression...two common side effects of cancer, and cancer treatment.

That's why Trinity Health has designed a new Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation Program that's being offered at the YMCA.

(Norm Judd, Exercise Physiologist) "It's still going to include some strength training for muscle strength and muscle endurance, some cardiovascular exercise to improve that aerobic capacity as well, flexibility, range of motion and for some also some stability and balance training."


The whole idea has bronc busters and bull riders seeing pink!

This Friday at the annual Y's Men's Rodeo, contestants are being asked to be tough enough to wear pink. The goal is to bring awareness to the battle against cancer. Pink T-shirts will be sold Saturday at the State Fair Center with all proceeds going to the campaign.

(Jason Jenson, Minot Y's Men) "T-shirts are for sale for $10 and then there's also raffle tickets that are for sale for the Minot Cares care package. They can win up to $3500 in cash and prizes." (You don't see a lot of cowboys wearing pink.) "No you don't, but our cowboys at the rodeo will be tough enough to wear pink on Friday night, so come on out!"


Judd says Trinity sees somewhere between six and seven hundred cancer patients each year. The belief is that at least half of them could benefit from this program. And, he says, it could expand to include others as well...like cardiac patients and diabetics.

(Norm Judd) "We do know from research the benefits of exercise in other areas...special populations whether it's Diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. We have a number or patients we work with now who have MS, Parkinsons or CP or post-stroke as well. So it would be nice to see a larger scale program for them as well and that movement ok...let's help them as well."

Yes, we all knew exercise was good for our hips and thighs...but now we know it's a good way to muscle some smiles too. Debbie Kuehn KX News.

T-shirts are also available at the Y's Men's booth at Dakota Square and at SRT's office on 20th Avenue in Minot. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list