PRESQUE ISLE — Local volunteers were recognized Aug. 21 during the annual Appreciation Night in Presque Isle, hosted by Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery.
“Our annual Appreciation Night is for all volunteers who help C.A.N.C.E.R. throughout the year. This marks our 14th year of helping families and those affected by the disease,” said event organizer Sue Nickerson.
Nickerson said the organization has about 100 volunteers, with about 70 turning out for the gathering.
“Those are people who deliver the bread, do the baking, all those who help with Planet Head Day (a fundraiser done in cooperation with the University of Maine at Presque Isle that raises funds and awareness for C.A.N.C.E.R.),” said Nickerson.
The organization’s services include: supplying free-of-charge personal care products not available through other services; Bread of Life visitations — on the third Tuesday of each month, cancer patients are treated to home delivery of bread, made and delivered by volunteers; tote bags filled with items selected specifically with the patient in mind; an online message board to post messages, read messages and reply to others, that also serves as a great place to obtain information; and a chat room just for C.A.N.C.E.R. clients. The organization also hosts a calendar of events on their website.
“In the 14 years since we were first established, we’ve delivered about 7,200 bags of bread. We meet regularly at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church,” she said.
Nickerson said the appreciation dinner provided an opportunity to thank those who give of their time and “highlight the numbers of what we’ve done — number of volunteers, the hours they’ve donated, the bread and other items we’ve given our clients.”
“It’s amazing how many people don’t know about us, that’s pretty much anyone who’s not involved or affected by cancer. Those who aren’t suffering don’t want anything to do with the word. We’re trying to change that — show how this is a disease that affects us all,” said Nickerson.
She said her organization assists people throughout Aroostook County.
“We help people in: Limestone, Fort Fairfield, Mars Hill, Blaine, Bridgewater, Easton, Presque Isle, Mapleton, Washburn and Caribou. We go anywhere in The County where we’re needed. We have satellite groups in Fort Fairfield, Caribou, Limestone and Ashland. They handle their own monthly bread deliveries; they have their own bakers, delivery drivers and take care of patients in their areas,” said Nickerson.
Some financial assistance is also available for clients in need of funds for transportation to appointments and other expenses they incur as a result of their illness.
“If anyone has financial need, they can get in touch with me or Craig Green or one of the board members. Craig can be reached at his New York Life office at 762-6500,” she said.
Nickerson said she got involved with C.A.N.C.E.R. for personal reasons.
“I got involved when my 4-year-old grandson was diagnosed with lymphoma. It took my breath away. At the same time I was just learning to play golf — there was a national organization that was having a golf tournament for fund-raising and I was asked if I wanted to play in it. I played and went on to the nationals, but it cost a fortune to get there,” said Nickerson.
“I was on the Aroostook board of this organization. I kept asking where the money was going. All I saw were brochures coming back for the money we raised locally. Every year I was on the golf tournament committee, got sponsors, players. I saw the money we raised sent along (to the organization). Then they decided to pull out of the golf tournament — stopped giving us prizes to give out. That’s when I and some friends decided to form our own nonprofit and continue the golf tournament,” said Nickerson.
“Our mission is to provide support to families and individuals dealing with cancer. All funds for C.A.N.C.E.R. remain in this area. To make a donation or to volunteer, call 764-6826,” said Nickerson.
Donations can also be mailed to: C.A.N.C.E.R., PO Box 811, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
For more information, email info@C-A-N-C-E-R.com or visit www.c-a-n-c-e-r.com.
