PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook Medical Center campus was filled with bright colors and supportive cheers on Saturday, Sept. 29 as cancer survivors, family members and friends walked or ran in honor of those who have fought against what is often one of the most devastating illnesses.
Colors of Courage has been annual event for TAMC for the past four years and is held as a fundraiser for the Aroostook Cancer Care oncology center. One of the highlights of the morning was the special Champions walk. The “Champions” are people who came to either celebrate their own successful battle with cancer or honor a loved one who fought the disease.
Kirk Ward, of Houlton, was one of 17 champions participating in this year’s Color of Courage. He walked in memory of his daughter, Makenna, who lost her battle with pediatric cancer at the age of six in 2013. Since Makenna’s death, Ward and his wife Amy have helped create the annual LP Miracle Mile race held in Houlton, established a high school scholarship fund in their daughter’s name and a charity hospital bag program and attended numerous events to spread awareness of her story.
During the champions walk Ward carried a gold flag in honor of Makenna and all children who have fought pediatric cancers.
“Makenna loved her siblings, Felicity and Blake, and she loved life. We want to continue to remember her in that way,” Ward said.
Many folks came from both near and far to be part of Colors of Courage. Lori McGillan, of Scarborough, Maine, walked during the champions lap in honor of her brother, J.R. McGillan, who passed away four years ago after a battle with stage 4 kidney cancer. J.R. lived in Fort Fairfield and received treatments at Aroostook Cancer Care. His sister described him as someone “had the confidence that he would get better” and beat his illness.
“He was the kindest, most gentle brother and he loved helping others,” McGillan said. “I’m walking today in order to keep his memory alive.”
Walking alongside McGillan was her friend Ginny Joles, of Presque Isle, who came to support her sister, Kitty Scott, who is currently battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Scott was receiving treatments at Aroostook Cancer Care before traveling to her home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the winter, where she will continue to receive treatments.
“She’s the most positive person and has a lot of hope, but what she’s going through is still a very tough battle,” Joles said. “I was fortunate that I got to be with her for part of this year when she was going through treatments here and I talk to her on the phone every day now.”
Colors of Courage also featured three non-timed races: an adult 10K and 5K walk/run and a Kids Fun Run, in which children aged 12 and under ran half a mile around the hospital campus. TAMC community health specialist Jamie Guerrette said that around 100 people total participated in Color of Courage this year and that the event offers a day of encouragement for all those who have been affected by cancer.
“All of the champions’ stories are inspiring and it’s amazing chance for us to give back to cancer patients in Aroostook County,” Guerrette said.
Friends Ginny Joles (left), of Presque Isle, and Lori McGillan, of Scarborough, Maine, hold hands as they cross the finish line after walking in the Champions lap during TAMC’s Color of Courage event on Saturday. Joles walked to support her sister, Kitty Scott, who is battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer, while McGillan walked in memory of her brother, J.R. McGillan, who lived in Fort Fairfield and passed away from stage 4 kidney cancer four years ago. (Melissa Lizotte/Staff photo)
