Aroostook Relay for Life
by Amanda Jenkins
additional reporting by Tamra Kilcollins
with thoughts from event participants
On the evening of June 4th, thousands turned
out to attend Aroostook County’s 14th annual Relay for
Life. The event, one of countless others held all over the
country, raises money to improve cancer treatments and
support further research in the field; although for so many
members of our community it does much more than that.
The event honors those loved ones who have been lost,
celebrates those who have survived, and provides hope
to those who continue to fight courageously against this
disease.
This year’s Relay for Life was held at the Caribou
High School track, where opening ceremonies began at
6 p.m. on Friday evening and ended
“My boys were introduced to cancer in a negative way, so at 10 a.m on Saturday morning, with
an event like this helps show them the generosity of so many participants trading in and out of
people. This event showed them if we care and work together the relay to walk continually around
great things can be accomplished against cancer and in life.” the track for the 16-hour duration.
Community members showed their
support not only through this display of physical
endurance, but also through pledges and financial
donations which continued to astound committee
members as they compared last year’s success with this
year’s. In 2009, 26 teams participated in the Relay for
Life and an impressive $46,000 were raised. This year, 63
teams raised over $123,000 to fight against a disease that
continues to affect every member of every community in
one way or another. Cary Medical Center’s Bill Flagg,
Director of Community Relations and Marketing,
commented on the inspiring levels of community support,
“A great deal of praise has to be given to those who helped
organize this event, making it one of the most significant
fundraisers ever held in Aroostook County. The event
had a spirit of inspiration and hope that touched
everyone that participated.” Miles Williams, Steering
Committee Member, was also touched and astounded by
The County’s ability to pull together for a common goal,
“We felt that we had established pretty lofty goals based
on our previous relays; we are so ecstatic with this year’s
event and the support from everyone that we received.
It’s a testament to the generosity of Aroostook County
people, especially considering the economic times we are
in. We are so pleased and happy and can