Through this effort, individuals can purchase lights to remember those who have lost their lives to cancer, or to honor survivors, family and friends of survivors, caregivers and others. These are lit on the Lights of Life tree, and the names of those being honored or remembered will be displayed at the locations where lights are being sold and collectively on the TAMC website.
This marks the eighth Lights of Life event to raise awareness and support for cancer care in Aroostook County, ultimately benefiting friends, neighbors and loved ones who are battling the disease. It is the third year that Clukey’s Auto Sales has partnered with TAMC, providing a location for the tree and allowing the program to expand to Caribou and Houlton.
Last year, the program expanded into the town of Fort Fairfield with the selection of the late JR McGillan as the featured individual during the campaign. This year, the program will grow to include Mars Hill and Bridgewater as Larry Kingsbury is remembered and honored.
The Lights of Life tree, which is located outside of Clukey’s Auto Supply on Main Street in Presque Isle, was lit during a brief ceremony during the annual Holiday Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 5. In addition to the ceremony, community members were invited to stop by TAMC’s North Street Healthcare immediately following the end of the parade for a hot drink, to get warm and to purchase a light.
In memory of Larry Kingsbury, a special ceremony also took place in Mars Hill during the community’s tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 4.
Kingsbury was diagnosed in July of 2014 with metastatic brain cancer. He began whole brain radiation treatment at TAMC’s Aroostook Cancer Care Center, and soon after, he also began chemotherapy treatments for primary cancer in his lungs.
“Because he was a Vietnam Veteran, he qualified for treatment at a VA hospital in Boston; but he wanted to be here, in Bridgewater, close to our family,” explained Kingsbury’s wife Denise. “Larry was determined to fight and hope. Throughout his journey with cancer, he never complained or said ‘why me?’ He simply showed his family and friends what courage really looks like.”
Despite setbacks, such as when more lesions were found, Kingsbury kept a positive outlook and always wished to remain home with the support of family, according to his wife.
“Even though his health was rapidly declining, Larry wanted life to be stable. He insisted on maintaining a normal Christmas Day, with the love of our family coming together to share our regular holiday customs and traditions, just like always. He made it through the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day, seeing all his children and grandchildren before going to bed early,” Denise said. He died Christmas evening, surrounded by family.
Kingsbury was a graduate of Central Aroostook High School, RETS Electronics School in Boston, and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. He served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Air Commendation Medal, Sharpshooter Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Larry was employed at McCain Foods in Easton for many years. He was past chairman of the Bridgewater School System and was past president of Northern Maine Antique Tractor Club.
When approached about being involved in this year’s Lights of Life effort and dedicating it to her husband’s memory, Denise was quick to agree.
“I am very grateful for the care and services we received from Aroostook Cancer Care, and I want to help ensure other County families battling this disease can get the same excellent care Larry received, along with the comfort of being treated close to home,” she explained.
Lights may be purchased anytime through December 31 in person at a Clukey’s Auto Supply location in Presque Isle, Caribou or Houlton; at Acadia Medical Supply in Fort Fairfield; or at Big Rock Transport in Mars Hill. They may also be purchased online at www.tamc.org. White lights are $10; red, $25; yellow, $50; green, $75; blue, $100; and orange, $150.
Clukey’s Auto Supply became a partner in this project two years ago, when the project was dedicated to Tom Clukey’s memory. His wife, Gail, not only wanted to show appreciation for the care he received at Aroostook Cancer Care and to help others have access to that care, but she also wanted a way to honor her husband.
“He loved this community and really put his heart into service through the Shriners and other organizations to benefit others. What better way to honor him than to do the same,” she explained.
For more details on the Lights of Life or to purchase a light, visit www.tamc.org or call 768-4350.
