Buckle up: Top cowboy round-up to lasso cancer

A small group from Prineville is rallying together to help fight cancer in Central Oregon. The group, led by Cliff McDonald, has collected unique rodeo belt buckles from some of the greats. They plan to auction them off as a set at the upcoming National Rodeo Championships in Las Vegas.

McDonald has been thinking of ways to give back ever since his daughter was diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer years ago.

“It’s pretty much as bad as it gets,” McDonald said Wednesday.

He said doctors at St. Charles gave his daughter a year to live. She’s still living.

“They called her a miracle child,” McDonald said.

He also said that she wouldn’t be here today without the help of local doctors. That’s why all the money they are able to raise will come back to Central Oregon, and go directly to the St. Charles cancer program.

McDonald reached out to big names in rodeo, many of whom are from the Pacific Northwest. They didn’t hesitate to donate.

“I didn’t think of it — I just reached in the box and said, ‘This would be a nice one,'” said Cody Jesse, a local bareback rider.

It’s something everyone can connect with. McDonald said that almost everyone has been touched by cancer, whether it’s you or a person you love.

Now, he’s hoping these so fought-over belt buckles, will help Central Oregonians fight the disease.

If you wish to donate a buckle to “Champions Against Cancer,” or place a bid, e-mail Denny Peckham at redrockdenny@aol.com or call 541-447-1829.