Third annual Walk for Hope to strengthen cancer care in Piscataquis County

DOVER-FOXCROFT— Friends, families, survivors, caregivers and community members are invited to come together to support cancer care in Piscataquis County at the third annual Walk for Hope, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19 at Northern Light Mayo Hospital.

“Cancer touches nearly every family and every community in some way,” Randy Clark, president, Northern Light Mayo Hospital, said. “The Tracy Hibbard Kasprzak Cancer Treatment Center allows us to provide care to people affected by cancer close to home. Walk for Hope participants are helping us strengthen this important resource and reminds those affected by cancer that they have an entire community walking beside them in their journey.”

The 2025 Walk for Hope, the second cancer walk that Mayo Hospital has held, saw significant growth — $49,000 was raised by more than 330 participants, a 50% increase in fundraising from the event’s first year. Event organizers hope to build upon the momentum and exceed $50,000 this year. Proceeds raised at the 2026 walk will support care at the Tracy Hibbard Kasprzak Cancer Treatment Center and help patients directly through the Patient Assistance Fund.

Walk for Hope includes a non-competitive 5K walk/run in the neighborhood surrounding the hospital campus. Participants can enjoy food, music and activities for kids and families before and after the walk. Walk for Hope participants are encouraged to start teams with families, friends and co-workers, register individually or participate virtually. Walkers may purchase tribute signs to be placed along the route to honor or remember family and friends affected by cancer.

Mayo Hospital’s cancer care center is named in memory of Hibbard Kasprzak, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and nurse whose 15-year battle with cancer inspired patients, survivors, caregivers, and the community. The cancer center contains comfortable, private treatment spaces, a transfusion area, telemedicine capability and private consultation rooms.

“Some will walk in honor of survivors or in memory of those lost, and others will show their support to those in our community who are affected by cancer,” Clark said. “Everyone who has been affected by cancer is invited — families, friends, medical professionals and patients.”

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m. on Sept. 19. Participants are encouraged to register in advance. To sign up for the event or purchase a tribute sign, please visit northernlighthealth.org/WalkForHope.