By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
It was cold and damp on June 3rd. The type of day/evening when if we didn’t have to go to work or do errands we probably would have used the weather to justify staying inside, curled up with a book, perusing the Web or maybe even considering taking a nap. It’s human nature to comfort ourselves every chance we can — that doesn’t make us bad — everyone allows their self to feel put upon every now and then, making it easy to convince ourselves that we deserve some ‘just for me time.’ After all, didn’t we have to stand in line at the grocery store; or wait for at least 15 minutes for our lunch to be prepared and served? Wasn’t there a line at the gas station and we had to wait our turn? Oh yeah — then there was that person who zipped right into the parking space right in front of the post office — the one where we ‘always’ park.
These Relay for Life participants decided to take advantage of the various themes suggested during the June 3 event.
It’s okay, don’t beat yourself up too badly but before you get your feathers all ruffled because you can’t get your regular tanning appointment today or the Red Sox blew a 5-run lead in the ninth inning, think about how you would react if you heard the words, “you have cancer.” Those who have heard these words are the real players, not in the World Series but in the game of life.
On June 3, hundreds of individuals, some cancer survivors, some still fighting their battle; caregivers and families and friends of those whose journey ended, proved their resilience and disregard to such minor inconveniences of cloudy skies, rain and very cool temperatures as they participated in the Aroostook County Relay for Life.
“The energy, compassion and spirit at this year’s Relay for Life was truly amazing,” said Kevin Simmons, local businessman and cancer survivor. “It was overwhelming to see so many familiar and friendly faces. It was like a big family block party.”
“This level of fundraising in such a small community is amazing — being motivated by love, the pain of loss, survivorship and the hope for a cancer-free tomorrow. It’s what brings us all together,” Simmons added. “It is my desire to continue to do what I can to support, educate, give hope, fight back and celebrate a cancer-free life for all.”
McCain Foods was well represented at the recent Aroostook County Relay for Life event, which helps raise funds to beat out cancer.
“Aroostook County Relay for Life threw the largest ‘birthday party’ in its history this year,” stated Julie Tucci, who, with her sister Karin Howe is co-chair of the planning committee for the event. “There were 847 registered participants (making up 71 teams) who helped raise $126,000 gross (and counting) during the event,” said Tucci.
From the Survivors’ Lap, which opened the event, with the 128 survivors in attendance introducing themselves, announcing the length of time they had been cancer-free, to the honorary survivor birthday party, the continuous treks around the track at the Caribou High School, to the luminaria ceremony at 10 p.m. with 1,400 luminary bags lighting the track, each bearing the name of a friend or loved one who had lost their battle with cancer lighting the way for those who walked to fight back against cancer. The luminary bags remained lighted throughout the night, symbolizing the darkest of times cancer patients face. At midnight all participants were urged to fight back by committing to encourage others to take up the fight against cancer.
The entire event was filled with an undeniable energy. An energy created by the strong wills of those who have fought back and won; of those still fighting; and by those who fought hard but lost.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Aroostook County Relay for Life can do so by going to relayforlife.org/aroostookme.
An estimated 847 individuals registered to help raise funds for the Aroostook County Relay for Life, sponsored by local individuals, businesses and the American Cancer Association.. The weather was very cool and damp but that didn’t stop the 71 teams from walking the track at the Caribou High School.
Luminaries, like this one, dotted the circumference of the Caribou High School track honoring the memory of those who lost their battles with cancer.
