For 15 years, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Cameco have been helping make dreams come true for women facing life-threatening cancer diagnoses. On Friday night in Saskatoon, that milestone was celebrated with an emotional gala honouring the latest recipients of the Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams program while reflecting on the impact the initiative has had across Rider Nation since 2011.
The evening introduced the women whose dreams will be granted in 2026, while also welcoming alumni recipients from previous years who have become part of what is best described as a growing family built through courage, resilience and support.
Throughout the night, the focus was not only on the dreams themselves but also on the connections formed through the program. From travel adventures to home furnishings and meaningful family experiences, every wish is unique to the woman receiving it. Yet the common thread over the last decade and a half has been community.
“This program has grown into a powerful network of support, connection, and friendship that extends far beyond individual dreams,” attendees heard from Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel. “Tonight, we celebrate not just the dreams but the 15 years of connection, courage and impact behind them.”
For Saskatchewan Roughrider head coach Corey Mace, being part of the program has quickly become one of the most meaningful aspects of his role with the organization.
“It’s been one of my favourite parts of the job, just being affiliated with the program. There are so many people that do so much work, obviously Cameco and the organization, but to be able to meet some of these ladies and their families and have those conversations with them, letting them know their wish has been granted — man, I’m just very honoured to be a part of that.”
Each year, the successful applicants learn they have been selected by a personal phone call from Mace, a moment that has become one of the initiative's signature traditions.
Roughrider president and CEO Craig Reynolds said the overwhelming support from fans continues to fuel the program’s success.
“I think just the impact it has on the women that are granted dreams, but I think more than that, cancer has touched absolutely everybody. It’s touched everybody who belongs to Rider Nation. I think that’s why you see such support for the event. Rider Nation shows up every single year, and that allows us to grant these dreams to these women.”
The organization’s annual, pink-themed fundraising initiative at the pink game (the game is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th vs Montreal) continues to generate strong support, helping ensure more dreams can be granted every year.
Quarterback Trevor Harris said the opportunity to support women battling cancer is something he deeply values as a member of the Roughriders.
“What a privilege and honour it is to not only don the green and white, but to be the quarterback here,” Harris said. “I think everybody, to some degree, has been touched by cancer.”
Harris shared that both his mother, a breast cancer survivor, and his sister-in-law have battled the disease, while others close to him continue their fight.
“These people that we support through this program are Saskatchewan Roughrider people. They’re part of the Saskatchewan Roughrider family. What an honour and privilege it is to be there with them. We’re in the fight with them. We hope they know that they have our back, just like we have our family’s back.”
After 15 years of granting dreams, the Touchdown for Dreams has undoubtedly become far more than a charitable initiative. It has evolved into one of the most meaningful traditions connected to the Saskatchewan Roughriders — one built on compassion, hope and the reminder that nobody fights alone.
