For us, the pandemic was a chance to slow down, reconnect with each other and get outside in our gorgeous state. Our queen bee, Tara Utecht Davis, founded the Maine Peak Seekers hiking group after our first few hikes of the summer season. We put in miles and created memories, I will cherish for a lifetime. Who knew, when we first embarked on the Champion the Cure Challenge, our fearless leader would be taken by ovarian cancer a few short years later. We continue to honor Tara by raising awareness and connecting with nature. Join us, to celebrate the vivacious life of our friend, or donate if it is within your means.

The next 10 years will be an era of less chemo and more cures, and I’m proud to be helping to bring the latest advancements in care to Maine by participating in Champion the Cure Challenge. The Challenge is northern and eastern Maine’s largest fundraising event, and all the money raised stays in our communities to support patient care and research at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Here's how your contribution helps:

• $25 pays for food insecurity bag or one gas card for one patient.
• $75 pays for a gas card for one patient for a Boston Appointment or three food insecurity bags.
• $125 pays for food insecurity bag or gas cards for five patients.
• $250 pays for two nights lodging for a patient staying local or one night in Boston.

Cancer touches virtually every individual and family in Maine, but there’s a brighter future ahead for those affected by cancer. By participating in The Challenge, I’m helping to make this future a reality, and I invite others to join me in working to defeat cancer.