Not only does the Center feature state-of-the-art
technology, but staff are also
engaged in several best practices that are helping them
deliver the best possible care
for local cancer patients.
“We are also engaging in
and bringing other aspects of
care in cancers, like palliative
care, patient navigation and
Dr. Arjun Sood
quality certifications, all of
which are a part of this facility and provide a more coordinated care,” said Dr. Arjun
Sood, lead medical oncologist at TAMC. “It [the Center]
is a very big asset to this community. It allows a lot of the
latest cancer therapies to be provided closer to home.”
Following the ceremony, a ribbon cutting was held
in the healing garden, located just outside of Aroostook Cancer Care Center. The garden was dedicated to
Dr. Ronald Rohe, a long-time cancer care provider at
TAMC; Joyce Davis, RN, a retired TAMC nurse who is
also well-loved in local cancer care; and all the pioneer
providers who have advanced cancer care close to home.
The rest of the morning was a wash of color, with a
kids 1 mile fun run and a 5K run/walk. First introduced
last fall as the Color Me Pink 5K Run/Walk, the event
was renamed this year to Colors of Courage to more
accurately reflect the inclusive spirit of celebrating,
remembering and honoring friends and loved ones who
have had all forms of cancer.
Colors of Courage is a joint effort of C-A-N-C-E-R
(Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and
Recovery), TAMC’s Aroostook Cancer Care Center and
CompetitorME. Proceeds from the charity event went to
C-A-N-C-E-R to help fund their patient support efforts
throughout central Aroostook.
Dr. Marco Naguib explains the improved and expanded radiation therapy services now
available at Aroostook Cancer Care with the new state-of-the-art linear accelerator.
A total of 270 adults and children ran, walked or
biked for the fight against cancer. Among those taking
part were twelve champions, who each carried a colored
flag representing the color of cancer that they themselves
had battled or in honor or memory of a loved one.
Despite the cold, windy day, participants and champions alike were glad to be a part of Colors of Courage.
“I would have gone further for my daughter if I
could,” said Kirk Ward of Houlton, who carried a flag in
memory of his daughter McKenna, who lost her battle
with neuroblastoma, and in support of others who are
battling the disease. “It’s my way of just giving back and
just carrying on her strength.”
For some, this was a step toward healing.
“I’m not at the point in this journey that I can tell
our story without tears, but today I was able to write another page,” said Denise Kingsbury of Bridgewater, who
carried a flag for lung cancer in memory of her husband,
Larry. “To those who are in the fight, to those who have
beaten the big C, to those who love and care for the warriors and those who have lost, thanks for your support
and strength.”
WINTER
2016
WINTER 2016
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