BREWER — On Aug. 17 nearly 1,600 community members joined Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center’s annual Champion the Cure Challenge flagship event. The uplifting experience at Lafayette Family Cancer Institute brings patients, family members, survivors, and community members together to walk, cycle, or run. More than $560,000 has been raised so far this year to support patients in treatment and enhance research options at Northern Light Cancer Care.
“It’s so rewarding to see how strongly our community turns out to support those facing cancer and raise funds that extend the care and services we provide right here,” says Ava Collins, MHA, FACHE, interim vice president, Oncology Services, Northern Light Health. “Thank you to everyone who joins us at all our events. You make a difference for our friends and neighbors with a cancer diagnosis.”
This year, funds raised the day of the event directly benefit a patient assistance fund, which helps meet critical needs of patients in treatment for cancer. The Challenge continues with two autumn events, which will also be used to build up the Northern Light Cancer Care patient assistance fund.
Community members who love to canoe or kayak can join Champion the Cure Challenge’s Paddle event on Sunday, Sept. 15 on the Brewer waterfront. Horse riders can take part in the Trail Ride on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Corinna. To register or donate, visit ctcchallenge.org.