HOULTON, Maine — When it comes to supporting those in need, southern Aroostook County never ceases to amaze.
The 14th annual Bridge to Hope Cancer Walk drew 225 walkers Saturday at the Gentle Memorial Building who showed their support for those who are battling cancer or to remember those who have lost their battle. This year’s walk raised a whopping $12,306, including $2,300 as part of the group’s quilt raffle.
In comparison, last year, about 200 walkers turned out to show their support by raising $10,500 for the cause. In 2017, a record 300 participants and collected $11,089 to help aid cancer patients in southern Aroostook County.
Lori Weston wears a shirt honoring the memory of Elaine Miller, who died Sept. 6, after a battle with cancer. About 200 walkers participated in the 14th annual Bridge to Hope Cancer Walk in Houlton.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
“We are fortunate that the weather is cooperating this year,” said Kim Folsom, one of the event organizers. “But any day you are battling cancer, whether it is rain, snow, sleet or hail, you do it. Today is an added bonus.”
Folsom said every year it is bittersweet to see those come out to support the event because there are always new faces from families who have been recently diagnosed or others who participate in memory of those who have lost their battle to cancer.
“Some people find it too emotional to attend the first year (of a diagnosis or a death),” said Folsom, a two-time cancer survivor. “I truly wish there was no need for our group and there was no cancer.”
Cancer survivors gather for a group photo prior to the start of Saturday’s 14th annual Bridge to Hope Cancer Walk in Houlton. A group of 200 walkers helped raise $13,306 for Bridge to Hope this year.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
A special bench in memory of Liz Ervin was unveiled following the walk. Crafted by Roger Brown, the bench features dragonflies, which were Ervin’s favorite, and also has room for additional names to be added in the future. The bench will be placed inside the Gentle Memorial Building for all to use.
Traditionally, the group has released pink and white balloons with the names of those who are either battling cancer or have lost their battle with the disease. This year, however, it was decided to take a more environmentally-friendly approach and replace the balloon release with painted rocks hidden along the walking route.
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 14 years, with such kind gestures as gasoline gift cards or hotel accommodations.
A park bench in memory of Liz Ervin was unveiled Saturday at the Bridge to Hope Cancer Walk. Ken Ervin and his children Zach, Isaiah, Tori, Olivia and Allie were on hand to see the bench, which will be placed inside the Gentle Memorial Building in Houlton.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
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, as well as for those who have appointments in central and southern Maine or even Boston. They have also been known to surprise some families with flower arrangements.
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.
Pink and white pumpkins lined the entryway to the Gentle Memorial Building in Houlton Saturday morning for the 14th annual Bridge to Hope Cancer Walk.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
