Bridge to Hope walk raises $6,300

    HOULTON, Maine — For the past eight years, the Bridge to Hope walk has raised awareness and funds to help fight breast cancer.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and organizers from the walk have had remarkable support for their event over the years. The Bridge to Hope walk began in 2005 by Cathy Forest and got its name from the town’s Gateway Bridge because the walk started and ended there.
The initial walk drew about 40 people and raised about $800. Since then, however, the event has grown by leaps and bounds.
Last year, about 300 walkers took part, according to organizer Kim Folsom. It was the largest turnout to date. On Saturday, an estimated 200 people participated in the walk and helped collect around $6,300. Since its inception, nearly $30,000 has been raised for the Bridge to Hope project.
Others helping to organize the event include Marie Carmichael, Pam Hocking, Amy Hocking and Dee Henderson.
“Bridge to Hope helps financially support any local families that may be battling any form of cancer, not just breast cancer,” Folsom said. “Anyone who is struggling, we try to help with gift cards … whatever somebody’s needs might be. You don’t realize what it makes you feel to help someone. It’s amazing.”
Folsom said many of the walkers in Saturday’s event are past recipients of financial support by the group.
The walk began at the Gentle Memorial Building and featured a stop at the Riverfront Park, where the group filled the skies of downtown Houlton with a wave of pink and white balloons. Walkers then returned to the recreation center for awards and refreshments.