HOULTON, Maine — The outpouring of support from the local community never ceases to amaze members of the Bridge to Hope group.
Organizers knew that matching last year’s record-breaking numbers would be tricky. A year ago, the event drew 300 participants and collected $11,089 to help aid cancer patients in southern Aroostook County.
This year, about 200 walkers turned out Saturday at the Gentle Memorial Building for the 13th annual event and to show their support for those who are battling cancer by raising $10,500 for the cause.
Dalylah Mincey, left, and Morgan Quirk, decorate balloons at Saturday’s 13th annual Bridge to Hope cancer walk in Houlton. (Joseph Cyr)
In comparison, the first walk held in Houlton’s Riverfront Park at the Gateway Crossing Bridge (which led to the group’s name, Bridge to Hope), drew 50 people and raised about $800.
“Cancer is rampant, and in our small community there seems to be somebody every day that we find out has been diagnosed,” said Kim Folsom, one of the organizers of Bridge To Hope. “We find it very important to continue, so we can support these families in any way we can.”
The mission of the group is helping people in southern Aroostook County with financial support as they battle cancer. The organization has helped hundreds of families over the past 13 years, with such kind gestures as gasoline gift cards or hotel accommodations.
By keeping funds local, the group has been able to help individuals undergoing cancer treatments with various expenses as well as providing them meal gift cards, gift baskets and even donations of turkeys during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The group also has helped families with travel expenses for patients undergoing cancer treatments or for those who have appointments in central and southern Maine or in some cases Boston. They also have been known to surprise some families with flower arrangements.
Folsom has battled breast cancer twice in the past 12 years. Her first bout happened in 2006 and more recently she experienced a recurrence in 2017, which required additional treatment.
“As far as I know, I am doing great now,” she said.
Over the past year, Bridge to Hope has helped about 60 families with expenses, which is up from previous years. As rewarding as it is to help those families, Folsom noted the group members would prefer to see no families needing their assistance.
Balloons are decorated Saturday with the names of loved ones who are either currently battling or have lost their battles with cancer at the 13th annual Bridge to Hope cancer walk. (Joseph Cyr)
“It’s heartwarming to see those families we have helped in year’s past come back and support the cause,” Folsom said. “It is tough to be on the receiving end. Most everyone we work with is humbled and thankful.”
Toni Hetherington of Houlton is one of those survivors who has benefited from the walk in year’s past and feels motivated to return each year to help raise money for others. She was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, and was successful in her treatment.
“I come to this walk, because when I was diagnosed I was out of work and didn’t know what I was going to do,” she said. “We had always gone to benefit suppers for others, but it was humbling to have one done for me. The community came together and helped me out, so now we try to give back.”
Dee Butler Henderson, another Bridge to Hope member, said that every year the walk seems to increase in significance as the number of families needing assistance rises.
“Our whole goal is to help people dealing with any type of cancer,” she said. “Whatever an individual needs, we try to help them out. Unfortunately, it is never going away. And sadder still, we are seeing more and more younger people affected.”
If funds are available, the group also offers a small scholarship to any student who lives in southern Aroostook County who has been affected by cancer in one way or another. Bridge to Hope also supports Sarah’s House in Brewer, which provides temporary lodging and support to those receiving treatment at the Eastern Maine Medical Center Cancer Care facility.
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- Lily-Mae Farrar, right, of Hodgdon looks up and smiles at her balloon as her mother Rachel looks on Saturday at the 13th annual Bridge to Hope cancer walk in Houlton. About 200 walkers helped raise just over $10,500 for the group. (Joseph Cyr)
