Walk for Hope honors loved ones, supports local cancer care
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Kym Baron is remembered as a caring mother and grandmother, a cherished friend and a valued colleague. She was among the many loved ones honored and remembered on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Walk for Hope, Northern Light Mayo Hospital’s largest fundraiser.
Proceeds from the event stay local, supporting cancer care services at the Tracy Hibbard Kasprzak Cancer Treatment Center and providing direct assistance to patients through the Patient Assistance Fund. Through these programs, Walk for Hope helps ensure that individuals and families facing cancer have access to the care and support they need close to home.
WALKING FOR HOPE — A team from the Northern Light Health Center in Sangerville took part in this year’s Walk for Hope at Northern Light Mayo Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft on Sept. 19. Family, friends and co-workers of the late Kym Baron walked as “Kym’s Krusaders” in her memory.
Baron passed away on Jan. 4, following a courageous journey with cancer. Her family, friends and co-workers from the Northern Light Health Center in Sangerville formed teams to walk in her memory while supporting patients currently undergoing cancer treatment.
“We wanted some way to remember her and make sure that her spirit is not forgotten,” Jillian Lewis, a sonographer at the Health Center, said. “She grew up around here and everybody knew her. She had the biggest heart and was always there for everybody.”
Participants recognized loved ones by purchasing tribute signs, attaching homemade signs to baby strollers and sharing stories throughout the morning. This year, a portion of the money raised will fund oncology support totes through the Northern Light Health Foundation and Mayo Hospital to bring comfort and encouragement to cancer patients throughout their journey. Each tote contains a cozy blanket, lotion, petroleum jelly, lip balm, hard candy, phone charger, journal, pen and gas card.
WALK SENDOFF — The annual Walk for Hope is the largest fundraiser for Northern Light Mayo Hospital. Proceeds support cancer care services at the Tracy Hibbard Kasprzak Cancer Treatment Center and provide direct assistance through the Patient Assistance Fund.
The cancer center at Mayo Hospital 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.
“As Tracy’s mom, I want to thank everyone for being here today and for supporting the Walk for Hope,” Jane Hibbard-Merrill said. “It’s truly heartwarming to see our community come together for such a meaningful cause. Thank you for being here, for caring and for being part of this special day.”
Top fundraising teams included Cleaves Farm, Kym’s Krusaders, Piscataquis County Medical Staff & Friends, Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union and Foxcroft Academy football. The top fundraising individuals were Kristin Hartt, Kristen Lander, Darcie Burch, Ellen and Rob Haley, and Meaghan Pina. Event sponsors included Hibbard Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union, Cleaves Farm, Indian Hill Trading Post, True North Anesthesia, Randy and Joanne Clark, Varney Insurance & Bonding, MMG Insurance, Central Maine Smiles, Creative Imaging Group, Diane & Cary Seamans, Lori and Ronnie Towne, The McDermott Family, Herring Brothers Meats, Skowhegan Savings, True North Realty, Inc., A+ Party Rental Tents & Events and Rowell’s Garage.
Donations for Walk for Hope will be accepted through the end of September. To support the event, please visit www.northernlighthealth.org/WalkForHope.