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Courtesy photo

Cortland Parks (left) has made a living tribute to his late partner, Robin Hilditch (right) through the “Ride for the Walk” fund raiser.
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Saddle up for ‘Ride for the Walk’ on Oct. 21
Proceeds to benefit breast cancer research
by LeeAnn Sharpe

SCOTTSDALE – Cortland Parks is a Scottsdale/Rio Verde cowboy, well‑known in these parts as an active participant in charity events for more than 30 years.

He has a reputation for his “get it done right” ability to make any endeavor a success. And he has been called on to head many projects. But to him, the one he tackles this fall has a very special meaning.

The former Phoenix Jaycees Comancheros Rodeo boss is heading up the “Ride for the Walk” trail ride as a living tribute to his partner, Robin Hilditch, who died of cancer on April 6.

“Her passing was a major blow,” said Parks. “With her death I was compelled to do something in her name within the realm of my experience to help cancer research so others won’t have to suffer the same fate.”

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The latest available figures reveal breast cancer claimed the lives of 41,619 women and 379 men in the United States in 2003.

The ride will be held Oct. 21 at Granite Mountain, and will begin and end at Cave Creek Outfitters, 31313 N. 144th Street in Rio Verde. Riders with their own horses can start the two‑hour ride at 9 a.m.

Proceeds from the trail ride will benefit the Breast Cancer 3‑Day, 60‑mile walk for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

“This is the first time the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer group has had a trail ride to benefit its 3‑Day Walk,” Parks said. “I hope all of the valley’s equestrian community comes out to support the Ride for the Walk. We have invited plenty of local media and celebrities including the Miss Arizona Rodeo Queens and the Calendar Cowgirls. They plan to attend.”

An entry donation of $25 is requested, and participants are asked to collect donations from others, with checks payable to “Breast Cancer 3‑Day.”

Participants who would like to receive lunch and a limited‑edition commemorative T‑shirt can do so for $100.

The trail ride includes a silent auction, with proceeds also going to benefit breast cancer research.

For more information or to contribute, call (480) 250‑2704.

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