Beth C. Wright Walk for Life

Beth C. Wright was born on Beals Island but as an adult lived in Addison. In 1996 at the age of twenty four she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following surgery and chemotherapy she sought out resources in Washington County and the surrounding area that could help her in her cancer journey. She found very few. As a result she started a support group at Down East Community Hospital with the help of Barbara Barnett, Director of Down East Hospice Services. She created the Choose Life Foundation a short time before her death in August of 2000.

The Foundation’s mission was to provide cancer survivors with financial assistance in addition to educational, inspirational and alternate treatment information. In May of 2001, the first Annual Beth C. Wright Walk for Life was held in Addison. Five hundred people walked in this event which raised $50,000.00 for the Foundation

In 2003, representatives from the Foundation talked with Dr. Molly Collins and other health care professionals, as well as community leaders in the Ellsworth area, about the possibility of starting a cancer resource center in Ellsworth. The hope of these community leaders was that the Beth C. Wright Center would provide education and support for cancer patients and their families by providing free programs in a warm and welcoming environment. In January 2004, the Choose Life Foundation made a grant to these community leaders to start the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center.

The Center is one of only two free-standing cancer resource centers in Maine. It serves Hancock and Washington Counties where the incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates for cancer far exceed both the state and national averages. Support services are also very sparse in these rural areas.

As a start-up nonprofit, the Center has concentrated on delivering services and meeting the needs of cancer survivors while they undergo their cancer treatment and after it ends. The staff takes the time to listen and hear the needs and concerns of people with whom they come in contact. In 2009, two hundred people visited the Center and an additional two hundred people participated in an outreach program in Washington County. The Center also networks with healthcare providers, hospitals, health centers, social service agencies, volunteer organizations, and the American Cancer Society to provide services.

The 2011 Walk for Life will take place on Saturday May 21. For more information call Ron Carpenter at 483-0933.

ADDISON: Mark your calendars and join the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center’s “Walk for Life” on Saturday May 15 at the Addison Town Hall. The Center is calling for walkers, sponsors and teams to take part in the 10th annual walk. Each participant will have the choice of a 5 mile or 2 mile walk. Registration begins at 8:30. All proceeds support the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center and the free programs it offers to people living with cancer, their families, and friends.

“This year’s event promises to be an exciting one with fun activities for the whole family. In addition to the walk in honor and memory of people that have been affected by cancer, there will be a kiddie train, face painting and music by Alan Cook and DJ Clyde. We will also have a 50/50 raffle, barbecue lunch, and a bake sale,” remarked Michael Reisman, Executive Director of the Beth C. Wright Center. “The Center has become a local resource for people in Hancock and Washington counties. Hundreds of people have participated in our programs at the Center and locations in Washington County this year.”

“Because the walk is our major fundraiser, we hope to get more people involved this year. In addition to walkers, sponsors and teams, we need volunteer help securing auction items, distributing brochures and posters and help getting the word out,” added Mr. Reisman.

Everyone is invited to take part in the event to help the Beth C. Wright Center reach their $20,000 goal. There are so many ways to join the festivities – you and your friends and family are encouraged to take part in the walk, be an event sponsor, or team member that will raise funds for the walk. It’s not too late to donate an enticing auction item to the Chinese Auction or sign up to be an event volunteer.

Mr. Reisman concluded by saying, “The event is fun for all ages and we hope you will help to make this the best walk ever!”

The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 - 5:00. To be a walker, sponsor, volunteer or for more information on forming a team, please contact Michael Reisman at the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center at 664-0339 or info@bethwrightcancercenter.org.