Popular fundraiser brings in over $3,700 for local patients
CARIBOU, Maine — For 20 years, Cary Medical Center has hosted the “Walk for Care,” an event dedicated to raising money for breast cancer. This year’s effort, while being held at the same time, is the first to be called the “Walk for Hope,” with the main difference being a focus on all forms of cancer.
“This year, we decided to change the name to give recognition to any patients and family members who are experiencing the effects of cancer,” said Cary CEO Kris Doody. “We are still walking for breast cancer survivors and patients, but also for anyone else experiencing cancer, and 100 percent of the money we raise goes right back to our patients at the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center.”
Betty Walker, Ladies Auxiliary president and Seniority Program coordinator at Cary Medical Center, helped organize the walk with the help of fellow Auxiliary members.
“The money for this year’s event goes to Brian’s Ride, and their proceeds go directly to the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center,” she explained.
Brian’s Ride began as a motorcycle run to benefit Brian Caldwell, who passed away from cancer in May of 2014, and has transformed into a larger event over the past two years.
“Every little bit counts,” said Walker, a cancer survivor and longtime community volunteer who understands that even a few hundred dollars to help with gas can be a big help.
“I was blessed to have some friends who held a benefit for me, and that extra money really helps. I support this cause because sometimes people need help with medicine, and sometimes they just need gas money. When I had to have radiation, I went to TAMC and probably had 25 trips to Presque Isle, then three trips to Brewer for radiation, and I also had to go to Portland for surgery. You often have to stay somewhere overnight, so every penny counts.”
The event’s name change and broader focus did not deter any participants from donating their time and money to the cause, and several people arrived at Cary between 9 and 10 a.m. on October 1st to prepare for the race.
Married couple Mike and Dottie Fitzgerald walked together for the first time this year. According to Mike, his wife decided to walk in memory of her brother Joe Sleeper, who passed away earlier this year.
“My wife has walked before,” said Fitzgerald, “but I have not. She had breast cancer about eight years ago and she was treated successfully, but required surgery and a short bout of radiation. So obviously we’ve had a personal interest in the cure for cancer. Especially since we have two daughters and it’s possible they will need cancer treatment.”
According to Mike, his wife was able to beat cancer after having an early screening, which detected a small amount of cancer. Once detected, she was able to have the cancer removed in Portland and, after some brief radiation and close monitoring for five years, the cancer has not returned.
“The people at Cary Medical Center were the ones who caught it early,” Mike said. “If there’s a possibility that you might have cancer, pursue it soon because, in my wife’s case, early diagnosis and treatment really worked.”
Jennifer Dickinson and Emily Jose, two sisters who work at Cary Medical Center, joined the walk to support their mother who passed away from cancer in 2006.
“My sister and I have walked together every year I’ve lived up here,” said Dickinson, who has worked in physical therapy at the hospital for a year and a half, “I think it’s important to show your support any way you can, whether it’s through raising money or just being there for someone.”
“Our mom had cancer and battled it for almost 10 years,” said Jose, who has worked as an accountant at the hospital for 10 years. “I’ve done the walk with my sister quite a few times and plan on attending next year.”
When asked to give advice for anyone either experiencing cancer or caring for a loved one with the condition, Jose said to “Be there and be supportive. Keep your spirits up. Know that you’re not alone and there is a group available to help you with whatever needs to be done.”
Tracy McCrossin and Marjorie Bither decided to walk after seeing the promotional sign for the event in Caribou.
“I saw the sign they put out and thought I’d try this and see if I could do it,” McCrossin said. “In making that decision, I wanted to get more fit, so I started walking and at one point I was doing four miles a day.”
McCrossin called Bither the night before the event and, since she felt it was a good cause, decided to join her friend in the walk.
“I like how the funds from the event help patients here,” Bither said. “It’s an awesome event, and really you have two good things rolled in one.”
Bither’s mother passed away from brain cancer, and her brother-in-law was also lost to the illness. Her suggestion for those struggling is to “enjoy every day.”
“Even though I’m healthy right now, it’s still an important lesson,” Bither added. “Don’t take the little things in life for granted. Stay strong.”
The Cary CEO encouraged anyone struggling with cancer, or who has a loved one with the condition, to attend future Walk for Hope events.
“My advice is to please join us today or in the future,” said Doody. “You will find that you are surrounded by support, because nobody takes this journey alone.”
