Tico Hicks, left, Susan Cornwell, center and Vicki Emerson are members of the Pink Warriors, a group of women touched by breast cancer. Other members are Patricia Dorsey, Linda Joseph and Rita Wittenburg. Are you tough enough to wear pink? That’s what Riata Roundup Rodeo committee members will be asking everyone this year during the annual Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce event June 18-19 at Lometa Regional Park.

Friday night of this year’s event will be “Tough Enough To Wear Pink night.” All participants and spectators are encouraged to wear pink to show support for breast cancer awareness.

This year’s rodeo will feature The Weatherford Cowgirl Chicks. Nationally renowned trick riders with spectacular performances, the Cowgirl Chicks donate part of the proceeds to breast cancer awareness.

“Since booking the act meant extra costs for the event, the committee searched for ways to create more support for breast cancer awareness,” said a committee member.

The Pink Warriors, a group of local women touched by breast cancer who are advocates of awareness, stepped up to support the cause.

Tico Hicks and Patricia Dorsey, members of the Pink Warriors, lost a sister and an aunt to the disease. Both have participated in awareness events including Susan G. Komen Foundation walks, Ford Warriors in Pink events and several Relays for Life.

Mrs. Hicks has already ordered her pink wig in anticipation of the event. And said Mrs. Dorsey: “I am fanatical about having yearly mammograms and examinations.”

Vicki Emerson, also a local Warrior, is a 29-year cancer survivor. “It’s a blessing to have survived. Don’t ever think this won’t happen to you.”

Mrs. Emerson was diagnosed with breast cancer about the same time as her sister, Kaye, who lost her battle with the disease.

Susan Cornwell, another local group member, was diagnosed with estrogen-positive stage 3 breast cancer in 2003. “It was shocking to hear the words, 'you have breast cancer.’ The best advice is to pay attention to your body; any changes are worth mentioning,” she said.

“And in the meantime, enjoy every moment of your wonderful life!”

Each of the Pink Warriors hope a cure for cancer soon will be discovered.

Tough Enough To Wear Pink was started in 2004 by Terry Wheatley, a breast cancer survivor whose husband and son were competing in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Ms. Wheatley, a senior executive at a major wine company sponsoring the WNFR telecast, took the opportunity to use the WNFR to make a statement. She teamed up with Karl Stessman, director of special events for Wrangler, to provide enough pink shirts for rodeo contestants.

The cowboys and cowgirls all rallied for the cause and proved they were Tough Enough To Wear Pink. TETWP continues at rodeos and events all across the country, and the group raises millions of dollars and awareness about breast cancer.

“The Riata Roundup Rodeo is proud to be affiliated with the wonderful cause this year,” said the rodeo representative. “Please join The Pink Warriors and the rest of the committee in wearing pink this year for a great cause."