Cary Medical Center sponsored its 19th annual Walk/Ride for Care fundraiser on Saturday and in spite of cool temperatures and rain, an estimated 100-plus walkers and 30 motorcyclists joined in the effort to help raise funds and awareness for breast cancer awareness and care.
Prior to the onset of the Oct. 1 walk, as participants gathered outside Cary Medical Center, the focus of attention was directed to a black car with pink lettering parked close to the entrance. The late model Chevy powered stock car, sporting a Monte Carlo body, is owned by Jason Forbes of Castle Hill, who drives the race car for SRT Racing out of Eagle Lake and is a regular at Spud’s Speedway and at the Unity Raceway.
Forbes stated that his wife Rowena had always participated in raising funds for this event when she was employed at the Maine Military Authority and once laid off from her position there, she looked for a way to continue in her support of the event. “Our families have been touched by breast cancer far, far too often,” said Forbes, “and my wife started collecting $10 from people, who in turn earned the right to have their name printed in pink on the vehicle. This year she raised $600 for this walk.”
Once the event participants had completed their route, a luncheon and awards ceremony, provided by the CMC Hospital Auxiliary was held in the Chan Center.
Kim Parent, Auxiliary president, presided over the brief program and presented awards to those individuals or groups raising the most funds for the annual Walk for Care. Parent reminded those in attendance the reason for holding the annual walk was to help raise funds for a complete mammography suite outfitted with up-to-date technology regarding care and treatment as well as prevention of breast cancer.
Before announcing the total raised from the Oct. 1 walk, Bill Flagg, director of community services at Cary stated, “Over the past 18 years, we have raised $250,000 for this cause, it is important that people realize the significance of what we do up here in Aroostook County — and this year we raised $7,544 to add to that total.”
Recognized for raising the third highest amount of money at $1,000 was Shawn LaFarierre; second place at $1,010 was the team from the Maine Military Authority and first place raising $1,042 was the team from the Maine Veterans’ Home which included Deb and Emily Sidell, Phyllis Lajoie, Sandra Boxwell, Amanda Chasse and Pat Skrable.
Winner of the Pink Basket drawing was Leah Caldwell while Ida Patterson claimed the pink ipod.
