JACKSON, Wyo — The Snake River shimmered with pink earlier this summer as more than 75 women gathered for the annual Stripping for a Cure Fishing Day, casting not only for trout, but for hope. The two-day event, capped by a lively “Peace, Love & Disco” themed gala, raised $200,000 for local cancer care at St. John’s Health Foundation.
This marks the second consecutive year the nonprofit has donated $200,000 pushing its lifetime giving past $1 million since 2018. The milestone places Stripping for a Cure among the Foundation’s Platinum Circle donors, recognizing those who have contributed more than $1 million in lifetime support.
Founded by Susie McDowell, a two-time breast cancer survivor and avid angler, Stripping for a Cure was born from a desire to turn personal struggle into collective impact. “The river brought me peace. Fly fishing brought me strength. Sharing that with others brought purpose,” McDowell said.
Funds raised benefit the Oncology Fund at St. John’s Health Foundation, which provides whole-person support for cancer patients and their caregivers through services such as massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and nutrition counseling. The Fund also offers vital financial assistance to patients, helping to ease the financial stress and strain that a cancer diagnosis can place on individuals and their families.
“Susie and the Stripping for a Cure community have turned compassion into action,” said Anna Olson, President of St. John’s Health Foundation. “Their generosity has made a profound difference for hundreds of local families.”
“There’s a special energy when people come together for a cause like this,” added Catherine Harrison, Executive Director of Stripping for a Cure. “Reaching the $1 million mark reflects the compassion and determination of this incredible community.”
While Stripping for a Cure proudly wears pink, it is not a breast cancer–only organization. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate — and neither do we,” the team emphasizes. “We support anyone receiving oncology treatment at St. John’s Health, regardless of their diagnosis.”
“Stripping for a Cure believes that cancer is a community event. A diagnosis affects not just one person, but everyone around them. That’s why our mission extends beyond the individual — to include their families and caregivers,” says McDowell “We’re endlessly grateful to everyone who’s helped us return over $1 million into the hearts and lives of those navigating cancer. We’re just getting started.”
For more information about Stripping for a Cure, or how to get involved, visit www.strippingforacure.com.
