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Contributed photo Pamela Caldwell, seated in center, sister of the late Brian Caldwell, works with staff at the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center to plan a New Year’s Eve fundraising event in memory of her brother. Proceeds will benefit cancer patients through the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center. Helping with planning are, from left, seated, Sharon Pelletier, RN, and Jen Plant, RN, oncology nurse manager; and in back, Kaitlyn Umphrey, RN, certified chemotherapy nurse, and Linda White, LPN. |
CARIBOU — The Caribou Inn and Convention Center will host a special New Year’s Eve fund-raising event to benefit area cancer patients through the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center. The event is being organized by family and friends of Brian Caldwell died in 2014 from gastric cancer.
As a self-employed carpenter Caldwell struggled with costs of treatment and other expenses during his illness. After his death his family decided to keep his memory alive by establishing a fund called “Brian’s Ride.” Brian’s sister, Pamela said that the New Year’s Eve event is part of a continuing effort to build the patient care fund.
“We have been so grateful for the response to Brian’s Ride,” said Caldwell, who is coordinating the event along with other members of her brother’s family and friends. “Our motorcycle event in August raised over $5,600 and a recent Jean’s and Gem’s event netted out more than $1,200. It is our hope that our New Year’s Eve event will be even bigger.”
The dollars raised will directly benefit cancer patients undergoing treatment at the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center. Kaitlyn Umphrey, RN, and Certified Chemotherapy Nurse at the center, explained that there is a great need.
“Our center has seen dramatic growth over the past year,” said Umphrey, who is part of the cancer center’s survivorship committee. “Every day we encounter patients who are struggling to make ends meet during their treatment. Many do not have sick leave, some cannot continue to work during treatment and a number of patients have families and numerous expenses. It is so wonderful that Brian’s family has chosen to honor him in this way, benefiting many of these patients and their families.”
The New Year’s Eve fundraising event will feature music by Good Vibrations, a live and silent auction, appetizers, door prizes and a full breakfast after midnight. Tickets are $50/person or $80/couple and are available at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center, Caribou One Stop, CS Management, Inc., The County Federal Credit Union, and Plourde and Plourde Harley Davidson.
Find more information on the event or learn more about Brian’s Ride on Facebook at Brian’s Ride.
