BREWER, Maine — More than 1,600 people raised money for cancer treatment and research Saturday at Northern Light Health’s annual Champion the Cure Challenge in Brewer.
People walked, ran, and cycled to support cancer patients and survivors and to honor those they’ve lost.
"There’s a sense of community, everyone's in it together, we're just here to support each other and it's great," participant Jason Neal said.
Northern Light Cancer Care is celebrating its 15th year of providing local care at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute.
"I think it's important to just be out here in numbers and see all these colors and these people supporting each other," participant Nicole Kelley said.
This year, the challenge raised more than $500,000, and since it began, the event has taken in more than $7 million for cancer research and local patient care.
"It's just a day that we get to celebrate the progress we've made and what people fight for, you know we're here to fight for our lives," cancer survivor Erica Masters said. "Cancer doesn't discriminate, you know, we're here for everyone."
Ava Collins, the interim vice president of the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute, said the fundraiser means a lot to the center and the people they work with.
"The excitement is so rewarding to see that our community has turned out to support Lafayette Family Cancer Institute and the great care that we provide right here," Collins said.
Jill Smith has received care at the institute. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2017. After her treatment there, she has been cancer-free since.
"I feel so blessed that we have this resource here, and Champion the Cure Challenge is one way to continue that and continue to fight for a cure," Smith said.
Smith added she was able to receive a type of radiation at Lafayette that she couldn’t get anywhere else in Maine, and she was able to do it close to home.
"Being able to receive my treatment locally was so beneficial, not to have to travel to Boston, to have my family here with me when I was receiving treatment," she said.
Smith continues to show up to support people with cancer and raise funds to find a cure.
"As a seven-year-and-counting survivor, always keep hope," Smith said.
To support cancer care and research, you can still donate to the Champion the Cure Challenge online.