Friends and family of the late Brian Caldwell along with some 100 New Year’s revelers gathered at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center on New Year’s Eve for the Brian’s Ride New Year’s Eve Bash. The event raised more than $8,500 for Brian’s Ride, a fund benefiting cancer patients managed by the Jefferson Cary Foundation.
The New Year’s Eve Bash was the third event conducted to build the fund and brings the total raised to date to more than $15,000. Pamela Caldwell, who is the sister of Brian, said that the generosity of so many sponsors helped to make the event exceed expectations.
“When we came up with the idea to create Brian’s Ride, we had no idea that it would grow so fast”, said Pam, who has helped to coordinate all three fund-raising events. “It is only because businesses and individuals have been willing to contribute to our events and others have participated that we could have raised so much money in just the past five months. The New Year’s Eve event really was over the top and we are so grateful to everyone who helped contribute in some way.”
The New Year’s Eve Bash featured appetizers, live and silent auctions, a photo booth, dancing and a DJ. A full breakfast was also provided at the conclusion of the event. Items for the auctions were donated by local businesses and individuals. A quilt donated to the event raised more than $700.
The success of the New Year’s Bash combined with other events held over the past year have helped to build the Brian’s Ride Fund. Kaitlyn Umphrey, a registered nurse who works at the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center said that the fund is helping to meet a great need for patients.
“Anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of being diagnosed with cancer or has had a loved one with cancer may be familiar with the cost associated with its treatment”, said Umphrey, who is a certified chemotherapy nurse.
“Sometimes referred to as ‘financial toxicity’, cancer can take a toll on even the most financially stable household. The cost of diagnostic testing, co-payments, and travel expenses to and from appointments can be daunting to a person already experiencing feelings of hopelessness. Many times patients cannot work during treatment and still face utility bills, costs for food, medicines and other expenses. It is wonderful that we are now able to provide some level of support to patients and families thanks to Brian’s Ride,” she added.
Brian’s Ride was created in memory of Brian Caldwell, who died from gastric cancer in 2014. Having undergone treatment for cancer, his family noted the hardships associated with the disease and wanted to help alleviate some of the challenges for others suffering a similar fate. In August of 2015 the first annual Brian’s Ride motorcycle event was established, then a jewelry party in November.
These two events established the fund which is now benefiting cancer patients through the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center. Patients can receive help with gas, groceries, electric bills, medical co-payments, and other expenses. The fund has already purchased 40 gas cards to assist people with getting to their medical appointments.
“We are working on other events to benefit Brian’s Ride, said Pam Caldwell. “We keep hearing from more people who want to help and as our fund grows we will be able to assist more patients and their families. I know that Brian is looking down at us and that he would be so pleased and honored that his family and friends are keeping his memory alive by helping others who had a similar experience to his journey with cancer.”
Other activities being planned include a “Paint and Sip” event at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center on March 20th. The second annual Brian’s Ride Motorcycle Ride will take place on August 13th and another New Year’s Eve Bash is planned for December 31.
For more information on any of these events or to learn more about Brian’s Ride, visit Brian’s Ride on Facebook or contact Pamela Caldwell at 325-4513. To donate directly to Brian’s Ride, checks can be made out to the Jefferson Cary Foundation (in memo, write “Brian’s Ride”) and mail to PO Box 89, Caribou, Maine, 04736.
