PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Lighting the holiday tree is a tradition for many families. It has also become a tradition for Lights of Life, an annual program held to recognize or remember those who have been impacted by cancer. The 2011 program kicked off Saturday with a hot dog roast and tree-trimming event at the MPG Farm Store on Parsons Street.
“The Lights of Life program is a great opportunity for anyone living in Aroostook County to pay tribute or remembrance to someone who has been touched by cancer,” said Sharon Daigle-Gerrish, MPG Farm Store manager. “We’ve had a great turnout for today’s kickoff. We hope that when people see our tree, they will think about Lights of Life and the importance of caring for our community members here in Aroostook County.”
To participate in the program, community members can purchase a light on the Lights of Life tree for $10. Lights are purchased to honor or memorialize friends, family members and co-workers who have been impacted by cancer. The name of each person recognized through the program will be displayed in the lobby at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital in Presque Isle. Names will also appear on the electronic reader board at MPG on Parsons Street and on TAMC’s website.
According to Bobbie-Jo Caron, a TAMC Healthcare Charities representative, lights can also be purchased to highlight doctors, caregivers and others who have provided support during or after treatment.
“Everyone knows somebody who has suffered with this disease,” said Caron. “It’s an inexpensive way to bring attention to someone who is special to you while making a difference in our community.”
Proceeds from Lights of Life will be used to purchase a high-powered microscope for Aroostook Cancer Care. The microscope will give TAMC’s healthcare providers timely information about a patient’s condition and diagnosis.
TAMC has held the program for four years. This is the second year that TAMC and MPG have worked together on the program. By inviting MPG customers to participate, Gerrish hopes that the money raised this year will exceed the amount raised in previous years.
“The MPG team is excited to be a part of Lights of Life,” she said. “Over $2,500 has already been raised, and the program has just began. We want to build momentum and help make the program as successful as possible.”
The Lights of Life program will continue through Dec. 13. Anyone who would like to purchase a light or learn more about the program can stop by the MPG Farm Store or call TAMC Healthcare Charities at 768-4858.
