TAMC’s new Aroostook Cancer Center Center opened Oct. 10, 2015
Leaders from TAMC and the local patient support group C-A-N-C-E-R (Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery) were among the more than 300 community supporters who gathered on Oct. 10 to celebrate the grand opening of TAMC’s new Aroostook Cancer Care Center and to raise money and support for those fighting cancer.
Numerous cancer survivors, others currently being treated, and friends and family who form their support network, came together to be a part of the Colors of Courage event.
The morning began with the grand opening of the new, comprehensive, state-of-the-art cancer treatment center at the hospital. Tours provided a first-hand look around the completed center that is the culmination of two years of planning and work. Providers and staff were on hand to showcase the new linear accelerator and explain the improved quality and advanced radiation therapy services available with the addition of the state-of-the-art equipment. The new infusion atrium, featuring improved comfort for patients undergoing chemotherapy, was also a featured part of the tour.
“The consolidation of this Center brings together a healing garden of peace, an infusion area and a radiation section where therapy is delivered with advanced technology,” said Sylvia Getman, TAMC president/CEO. “We are excited about the new level of comprehensive care the Aroostook Cancer Care Center will provide the patients of northern Maine.”
Not only does the Center feature state-of-the-art technology, but staff are also engaged in several best practices that are helping them deliver the best possible care for local cancer patients.
“We are also engaging in and bringing other aspects of care in cancers, like palliative care, patient navigation and quality certifications, all of which are a part of this facility and provide a more coordinated care,” said Dr. Arjun Sood, lead medical oncologist at TAMC. “It [the Center] is a very big asset to this community. It allows a lot of the latest cancer therapies to be provided closer to home.”
Following the ceremony, a ribbon cutting was held in the healing garden, located just outside of Aroostook Cancer Care Center. The garden was dedicated to Dr. Ronald Rohe, a longtime cancer care provider at TAMC; Joyce Davis, RN, a retired TAMC nurse who was also a well-known and well-loved in local cancer care; and all the pioneer providers who have advanced cancer care close to home.
The rest of the morning was a wash of color despite the cold day, with a kids’ 1-mile fun run, a bicycle course and a 5K run/walk. First introduced last fall as the Color Me Pink 5K Run/Walk, the event was renamed this year to Colors of Courage to more accurately reflect the inclusive spirit of celebrating, remembering and honoring friends and loved ones who have had all forms of cancer, not just breast cancer despite being held during breast cancer awareness month.
Colors of Courage is a collaborative effort of C-A-N-C-E-R (Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery), TAMC’s Aroostook Cancer Care Center and CompetitorME. Proceeds from the charity event all went to C-A-N-C-E-R to help fund their patient support efforts throughout central Aroostook.
“I am just amazed and touched by the turnout and by how much as raised,” said Susan Nickerson, chairperson of C-A-N-C-E-R, a non-profit organization that dedicates 100 percent of its funds raised to support individuals fighting cancer in The County. Nickerson originally hoped the event might raise $1,000 and was amazed when four times that amount was raised.
A total of 270 adults and children ran, walked or biked for the fight against cancer. Among those taking part were 12 champions, who each carried a colored flag representing the color of cancer that they themselves had battled or in honor or memory of a loved one.
Despite the cold, windy day, participants and champions alike were glad to be a part of Colors of Courage.
“I would have gone further for my daughter if I could,” said Kirk Ward of Houlton, who carried a flag in memory of his daughter McKenna, who lost her battle with neuroblastoma, and in support of others who are battling the disease. “It’s my way of just giving back and just carrying on her strength.”
The event wasn’t just a fundraiser or a show of support, but also, for some, a step toward healing.
“I’m not at the point in this journey that I can tell our story without tears, but today I was able to write another page,” said Denise Kingsbury of Bridgewater, who carried a flag for lung cancer in memory of her husband, Larry. “To those who are in the fight, to those who have beaten the big C, to those who love and care for the warriors and those who have lost, thanks for your support and strength.”
