TOPSHAM — The American Cancer Society is a volunteer-based organization and each year, the Society’s New England Division accepts nominations for the Sandra C. Labaree Volunteer Values Awards, named in honor of the late Sandra C. Labaree, a longtime American Cancer Society volunteer from Damariscotta and a founding member of the New England Division Board of Directors. The awards recognize and honor New England volunteers whose actions and service in the fight against cancer most exemplify the Society’s organizational values. While most cancer caregivers who are the bearers of hope and healing are family and friends, there is another group of people who have shown compassion and brought support to people they did not know — Society volunteers. This year, five outstanding Society volunteers from Maine were selected to receive this award. Going above and beyond the call of duty to extend the “warm hand of service” to cancer patients is a top priority for these dedicated individuals.
Photo courtesy American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society recently recognized the efforts of two local volunteers. Pictured from left are: Allan Rowe, American Cancer Society vice president of income development; and volunteers Karin Howe and Julie Tucci. In front is Susan Clifford, ACS state director, communications. Unidentified relayers stand at right.
As Relay for Life volunteers, Karin Howe, from Wade, and Julie Tucci, from Presque Isle, started attending the Relay For Life of Aroostook County in Presque Isle a couple years ago in honor of Karin’s recent battle with cancer. At the end of the 2009 event, it was apparent that the Relay had outgrown its current facility. They also believed the event needed to be centrally located to truly reflect “Aroostook County” and to reach potential relayers to the north and south of Presque Isle. Karin and Julie approached the superintendent of the Caribou School Department and were given the use of the high school track.
As co-chairs of the event, Karin and Julie worked tirelessly at recruiting teams and survivors. The event went from raising $46,000 in 2009 to an astonishing $123,000 in 2010 — a 170 increase and the biggest increase in New England. Their dedication in the fight against cancer is contagious and motivates those around them to become involved. This year’s event held on June 3 and 4 attracted approximately 850 participants and has raised over $127,000 to date, with more money coming in. It’s not too late to donate — visit www.relayforlife.org/aroostookme and click on the “donate” button. Donations can be made to a specific team, participant or directly to the event.
Other Sandra C. Labaree award winners in Maine this year include Holly Pye of Brunswick, Tess Hakkila of Portland and Clayton Eames of Westbrook.
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, the organization fights for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, Society members turn what they know about cancer into what they do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about the organization or to get help, call anytime, day or night, at 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
