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Blades for the Cure

Fundraiser A Big Success

April 27, 2008
Article and Photos by Leah Adams

Skaters at Sertich Ice in Colorado Springs performed an emotional tribute to Steve Kanallakan, father of nationally ranked single skater Austin, on April 12, 2008.

Blades for the Cure was founded as a fundraiser to assist not only the families of people diagnosed with cancer, but all catastrophic diseases. The event was hosted by 1968 Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming, a cancer survivor herself. Fleming felt that hosting a benefit in Colorado Springs for cancer brings her life in full circle in that she could somehow give back to the city. "I grew up here. I met my husband here and attended Colorado College. I won my first World title while living in Colorado Springs."

Fleming stresses that raising awareness is important. "Cancer touched the skating world and touches a lot of people's lives everyday.We have to teach everybody to be aware of your health. It's not just about going to the doctor's office or going to the gym twice  a week. You need to exercise every day."

Fleming added that figure skating was a tool that taught her about herself physically as well as mentally. "It helped me through my cancer. I was a competitor and I was a competitor with my cancer. I got my diagnosis and I wanted to win. I did my homework and I wanted to do it the best I could and as gracefully as I could so my family wouldn't suffer. I was lucky. I caught my cancer early so my message is to the people to participate and stay on top of your checkups. Women, do your mammogram and monthly self exam. I found my cancer myself and I had just had a mammogram five months earlier. Use your instincts and common sense. Don't diagnose yourself. Get a professional."

Jody Flatt, the president of the founding team for Blades for the Cure, agreed, adding: "We knew that [If awareness] became a community effort (not just the skating community), we could help out many others suffering. Not only from Multiple Myeloma, but any individual or family dealing with extreme financial burdens due to cancer or other catastrophic disease diagnosis and treatments."

Flatt, mother of 2008 U.S. Ladies silver medalist Rachael Flatt, stated that they were fortunate to have the talents of not only the skaters, but of Eddie Shipstad, (grandson of Shipstad and Johnson Ice Follies), and Damon Allen (former national Men's single competitor and now coach), creating the shows.

"The local volunteer staff of our Colorado Springs American Cancer Society Chapter, as well as the volunteers from Memorial Hospital, helped us immensely," Flatt said. "We quickly formed a Board of Directors, brainstormed on a name for our group, incorporated, filed our paperwork for our 501c3 non-profit status, and assigned tasks to each of the board members all within about three weeks. The silent auction, ticket sales for the show, and the identification of sponsors and donors were the focus of much of our work."

"I got involved with Blades for the Cure for various reasons," explained Damon Allen. "My aunt is a breast cancer survivor and volunteers to help those diagnosed and battling breast cancer. I see the great work she does helping others cope and feel as though they are not alone in this battle."

"My student's family (the Kanallakan's) have been hit very hard this year with the harsh reality that life is precious and should not be taken for granted when Steve, Austin's father, was diagnosed in August with cancer," Allen continued. "I am at a time in my life where I feel I would like to find ways to "give back". My aunt's inspirational ability to overcome her own cancer and do volunteer work, as well as the struggle the Kanallakan's have undergone this year, have inspired me to to get involved with Blades for the Cure."

"A group of us all sat down one day and talked about people we knew with cancer," recalled Eddie Shipstad. "My dad had prostate cancer and it seemed like every one has someone affected. There are so many skaters in Denver and Colorado Springs that could bring awareness and raise money for the Southern Colorado American Cancer Society. I worked with an amazing group of people."

Shipstad was elated with the generosity of the team, which included Allison Scott (Jeremy Abbott's mother) and her connections at the Broadmoor hotel, Jody Flatt, all the workers at the silent auction, and Peggy Fleming. "I cannot believe how amiable Peggy Fleming was from the first email. We were hoping for a silent auction donation like a signed picture or something from the vineyard and instead she responded. 'I will do anything before, during, and after to help.' Peggy is even more friendly in person than on TV."

The sold-out benefit opened with a lively group number to music from the High School musical Breaking Free featuring U.S. Junior National participants Rebekah and Joel Schneider-Farris, Katie Shipstad and Logan Bye, and Intermediate bronze medalists Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier.

Lauren Dinh, the reigning Junior National Intermediate bronze medalist, was soft and lovely as she glided across the ice to Capriccio Espagnol. Dinh was followed by Josh Farris, the two- time Junior National Champion in the Juvenile and Intermediate divisions, who skated to Josh Groban's Angels in memory of his grandfather.

Lauren Dinh

Josh Farris

The paternal twin sisters of Piper and Alexe Gilles welcomed their new "sister" Jane Summersett, dance partner of Todd Gilles, to the family as they skated wrapped in red tulle.

The current U.S. Novice silver medalists pairs team of Brittany Chase and Andrew Speroff skated an enthusiastic program to Shout, which was highlighted by difficult spins. They were followed by the newly-crowned Novice ladies gold medalist, Marissa Secundy, who mesmerized the crowd with her winning short program from Nationals.

Chase and Speroff

Marissa Secundy

First year Senior Pairs competitors, Bianca Butler and Joseph Jacobsen skated a mature routine with daring one-arm overhead lifts and perfectly aligned spirals.
Novice pair champs Brynn Carman and Christopher Knierim wowed the audience with their program to These Boots Are Made for Walking, which featured huge twists and lots of personality.

Butler and Jacobsen

Carman and Knierim

2007 U.S. Junior Men's bronze medalist Austin Kanallakan dedicated his On Your Porch program to his father, reminding everyone of the purpose of the night's performance. Piper Gilles and Tim McKernan put out a flirtatious routine with their interpretation to A Crazy Little Thing Called Love. The U.S. Junior silver medalists lightened the mood in the rink as McKernan skated alone in a mock rejected manner while his partner Piper engaged herself with a few male skaters at the boards.

Alexe Gilles

A silent auction was held during intermission with items donated by generous sponsors. There was jewelry, bountiful gift baskets, autographed photos and apparel by famous skaters, and more. The event was very successful with a bidding war for a World Team jacket signed by the entire 2007 U.S. team.

After intermission Brandon Mroz opened the second half of the benefit in a costume reminiscent of Janet Jackson's Super Bowl malfunction. He received rousing applause for his athletic jumps and great strength.

Senior ice dancers Jane Summersett and Todd Gilles performed to techno music by the Chemical Brothers. Their entertaining routine, choreographed by Chris Verdeen, featured matching green goggles and modern movements.

Alexe Gilles followed her brother's number with a lyrical piece showcasing her gold medal winning jumps and Biellmann spins.

Skating a new exhibition to Titanic for the first time, Jessica Rose Paetsch and her partner Jon Nuss, Junior Pairs gold medalists, emoted the tragic story of the two ill fated lovers. The haunting melody sung by Celine Dion, complemented the choreography as Jessica ended the routine standing above Jon and looking away.

Ryan Bradley was the definition of entertainment with his blue jeans and t-shirt playing to the audience and executing a back flip to thunderous applause.

Bradley has known Kanallakan since 2005 and their families are close. "Steve is such a good guy," said Bradley. "For this to happen to such a nice family... it's really heart wrenching. It's a wonderful thing to get all these kids together to rally up and support the family. The more love they feel around them the better things will be."

Paetsch and Nuss

Ryan Bradley

Fledgling senior pairs team Caitlin Yankowskas and John Coughlin had the spectators laughing to their "sixties-mod" costumes in which Yankowskas sported a pink wig, while partner Coughlin wore a monstrously huge black afro. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and brought the viewers into their performance.

U.S. Senior men's pewter medalist, Jeremy Abbott nailed his trademark spins to George Michael's Faith, and set the stage for Rachael Flatt. Flatt, in demanding red, skated to Respect by Aretha Franklin. Her understanding of the classic song lured the onlookers to clap their hands to the beat. Known for her consistent jumps, she did not disappoint.

"Its so great to be able to give back," Flatt later said, "not only to a family in need that is part of our skating community, but to reach out to the greater Colorado Springs community through our local American Cancer Society Chapter and to use our skating gifts to benefit those in need. Unfortunately, I don't have much free time between school and skating, but I have been able to help in little ways with Blades for the Cure this year."

"My mom and I came up with the idea of creating an 'Awareness Bracelet' that is specifically designed for each year we do the show," Flatt continued. "This year, I made bracelets using the pale blue color that is in the Blades for the Cure logo with Murano glass beads and the ACS awareness ribbon. I made just enough bracelets for the ladies on the board of directors for Blades. Next year, I hope to make a limited number to sell and to have the proceeds go directly back to Blades for the Cure."

Jeremy Abbott

Rachael Flatt

Rounding out the evening was the acclaimed team of Keauna McLaughlin and Rockne Brubaker, the current U.S. and Junior World pair champions. Their exhibition routine highlighted both their speed and strength. McLaughlin was fearless in their throw triple twist and Brubaker was secure as he performed various lifts with his partner. McLaughlin's vamping made the exhibition all the more enjoyable.

"It was such an honor for Keauna and I to be able to skate in the show," said Brubaker. "Both of us have known or know people that have battled cancer or are still battling with it today. It's such a hard illness to deal with. Keauna and I always try to help as much as possible when it comes to issues like that. Every little bit is one more step forward to finding a cure."

V.I.P. ticket holders were invited to a 'Meet and Greet' session after the fundraiser, allowing guests to have their picture taken with Peggy Fleming as she graciously autographed posters. The other skaters were on hand to talk to eager fans and autograph posters as well.

The inaugural Blades for the Cure was an outstanding success by raising money for families with economic limitations and creating a fun experience for the skaters as well as the patrons. Next year's event is bound to be even bigger and better.