Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A night of thanks was held recently for the many volunteers who’ve given of their time to make the lives of those touched by cancer easier.
“The event was put on by the board members of C-A-N-C-E-R – Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery,” said Louise Cardone-Calabrese, spokesperson for the non-profit organization.
The gathering was held, according to Cardone-Calabrese, “to show appreciate to all those involved every month, all year, for baking, bringing prayers and support to our patients in treatment for cancer and also to their loved ones.”
“Without being reminded, faithfully every month baked treasures are made and dropped off. It’s just done, and on one is looking for anyone to say ‘thank you’ to them,” explained Cardone-Calabrese.
She said the event, held at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, in Presque Isle, provided the Board a chance provide them all with an informal gathering of food and friendship.
“It was our chance to say to say thank you for everything they do all year – to tell them how much everything they do every month is appreciated,” she said.
“The Board members, although not the best chefs in the world, put together their ‘home-made’ thank-you dinner. If you want to know just how good the cooking was, just ask anyone who attended,” said Cardone-Calabrese.
The organization relies on the generosity of others, whether through volunteer efforts or monetary donations.
“We are a growing organization trying to reach out and help others, neighbor to neighbor, bringing assistance, love and support, along with lots of prayers to those in need in our communities. It’s a wonderful way of giving back to each other and being there for each other, on this journey of life,” she said.
She noted that we all need to rely on others at some point in life.
“We are all, at one time or another, in need of someone to be there for us. And it is great to be there when it’s not our turn to be in need,” said Cardone-Calabrese.
She credited the programs success so far to the many volunteers and donors who give so generously to make life better for others.
“Thanks to the volunteers who give of themselves all year and those who donate to C-A-N-C-E-R, we can turn every penny around and send it back out to all those in need. All money received stays right here in Aroostook, where we all live,” said Cardone-Calabrese, adding the organization is not affiliated with the American Cancer Society and that all donations remain in the county, to be used to serve those in the county whose lives have been touched by cancer.
“Charity does begin at home. And to us, home is Aroostook County,” said Cardone-Calabrese.
For more information about services provided by the organization, to make a donation or to become a volunteer, contact 764-6826 or visit www.c-a-n-c-e-r.com.
Photo courtesy of Louise Cardone-Calabrese
VOLUNTEERS were honored with a night of thanks at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church in Presque Isle for their dedication to serving the needs of friends, neighbors and strangers through the C-A-N-C-E-R program – Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery.
