Supporting Local Research in Cancer Care  

(Brewer, ME) On August 21, 2010 a new tradition begins at Eastern Maine Medical Center - Champion the Cure Challenge. We invite you, and your family to come out and support cancer care and cancer research in our community by riding your bike 100, 50, or 25 miles, or running / walking 5 or 10k. If you can’t do either we challenge you to support someone who is participating.  All donations to Champion the Cure Challenge will stay local to help fund cancer prevention and clinical trials at EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine, located at the new Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer.  

Jenifer Lloyd, a cancer survivor and project manager of Champion the Cure Challenge, knows first-hand how important clinical trials are, “I am here today because I was given a drug which was released early from a clinical trial  at EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine. To have leading edge treatment right here in our region of Maine is necessary. It saves lives and we must make sure it continues. We really need everyone’s support.” Allen L'Italien, RN, EMMC patient care administrator at CancerCare of Maine says support of Champion the Cure Challenge will, “Lead to expanded research into cancer care and provide opportunity for patients to receive newly designed, life-saving drugs without having to leave Maine.”  

Champion the Cure Challenge picks up where the Champion the Cure Capital Campaign left off. While the original campaign raised dollars to support a new home for EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine and the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health, Champion the Cure Challenge will raise funds to support direct patient care.   

The goal of Champion the Cure Challenge is to raise $100,000, all of which will stay in our region of Maine to directly benefit our families, friends, and neighbors who are affected by cancer. There is no registration fee in order to take part in Champion the Cure Challenge, however, participants are required to meet fundraising minimums. The event is non competitive, and promotes an atmosphere in which participant’s only competition is within. This model echoes the personal challenge of the cancer journey.   

For more information and to start fundraising visit www.championthecurechallenge.org. 

Hear more about the Champion The Cure Challenge