The “All In For Addie” alumni basketball games supported Addie Woods, a 15-year-old sophomore at Hodgdon High School, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Woods spent 28 days at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor undergoing an intense chemotherapy treatment. She is the daughter of Mike and Stephanie Harris and John Woods.
“Addie is entering the next phase of her chemo treatment,” said her mother. “The testing she went through will determine what the protocol will be. From what I understand at this point, she will travel to Bangor for chemotherapy for four consecutive days then have a week off in-between. Testing will continue throughout this time and adjustments to treatment will be made as needed.”
Addie’s brother Blake, a senior at Hodgdon, represented the family at the games, along with his younger sister Aidynn.
“This is just awesome to see the community come out like this,” Blake said. “I just wish Addie could be here to see this.”
Addie was unable to attend the games as her immune system has been compromised by the intense chemotherapy she has received. However, she was able to watch the games online as local radio station WHOU streamed the games live on the Internet.
Blake said he was receiving constant text messages from Addie throughout the games as she was “getting a good laugh” out of watching some of her former teammates play.
Alum who played in the women’s game included McKensie Palmer, 2013; Casey Nightingale Tarr, 2006; Taylor Jo Quint, 2008; Cierra Willette, 2011; Haley Quint, 2011; Jamie Nightingale Stewart, 2004; Kimberly Warman Drake, 2011; Michelle Sherman, 1997; Hannah Sherman, 2015; Courtney Jurson, 2014; Maya Gardiner, 2012; Haley Gardiner, 2013; Lacey McQuarrie, 2013; Karissa Harris, 2013; Chelsea Sloat, 2010; Emmaly Jurson, 2010; Tammy Gardiner Griffin, 1980; Chelsea Wilson Henderson, 2004; Lauren Howell, 2014; and Cindy Merritt Peterson, 1991.
Alum who played in the men’s game included Erik Ryan, 2012; Nick Lunn, 2013; Joe Ewings, 1987; Matt Oliver, 1987; Doug Bailey, 2005; Keegan Gardner, 2015; Carey Suitter, 2015; Seth Dorr, 2007; Rob Nesbitt, 2007; Jeremy Knowles, 2000; Adam Hogan, 2003; Ryan Cleary, 2005; Josh Hudson, 2013; Jordan Guy, 2007; Matt Day, 2002; Arno Wirta, 2012; Jake Tidd, 2011; Tristan Larson, 2015; Devin Quint, 2015; Sam Henderson, 1996; Jason Little, 2000; Timmy Williams, 2002; Tyler Sherman, 2014; Quinn Harris, 2012; Andrew McGillicuddy, 2010; Dan McGillicuddy, 2010; and Chris Hudson, a member of the Class of 2015 who transferred during his senior season.
The games raised more than $7,000 for the Woods family to help with expenses. The event was able to raise such a large number thanks to the efforts of alum Jeremy Knowles, who solicited area businesses for donations. Knowles said he approached a number of businesses and asked them if they would be willing to do something different, rather than just give a straight donation.
A total of 17 businesses agreed to donate $1 for every point scored in the two basketball games, which wound up being 231 points, resulting in $3,927 from those sponsors. Twenty-four other businesses and individuals also provided donations for the games, totalling $1,450.
It marks the second straight year that alumni games at Hodgdon High School have benefited a young person stricken with cancer. Last year, the games helped Maya Gardiner, a 2012 graduate who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Gardiner was able to play in this year’s alumni games.
Harris said the strength her daughter has shown during this incredibly difficult time has been simply astonishing.
“She continues to amaze me with her strength and positive attitude,” Harris said. “I have had moments when I’ve struggled watching her endure the effects of chemo and pain of some of the testing. She is the one to lift my spirits and remind me that everything is going to be okay.”
“If anybody can get through this, it’s Addie,” Blake added. “I don’t know how she has kept her positive attitude through this all. She’s still the same Addie. She laughs. She smiles. She’s incredible.”
Having their daughter and sister home for the holidays was another blessing, but the family knows there is a long, difficult road still ahead of them.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved (I know there were many) in pulling together the game,” Harris said. “We are so fortunate to live in an area where people truly care about one another and come together when someone is in need. My heart was full last night, but that gym was full of heart as well.”
