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Faces of the Cure
EMMC and the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health thanks the the CancerCare of Maine patients who have graciously agreed to be photographed for Champion the Cure and share their stories.
Champion the Cure. Be a Champion. Be a part of the Cure.
 Ada Waller - Caribou
Ada Waller, Caribou, retired certified nursing assistant and medical technician
“I never thought I’d get cancer, but since 2002, I’ve been battling breast cancer. I come to CancerCare of Maine once a week for treatment. It’s an eight hour drive roundtrip, and I never miss an appointment. I don’t want to think about what I’d have to do if CancerCare wasn’t here.” Ada is one of 1,461 Aroostook County residents diagnosed and/or treated at CancerCare of Maine since 1998.
 Bion and Dorain Foster - Hampden
Bion and Dorain Foster, Hampden
“The people at CancerCare of Maine are uniquely personable and warm. Going in for treatment quickly felt like sitting in our own living room, surrounded by our oldest friends and dearest family members. That is a level of care we may not have been so lucky to receive anywhere else.” Bion (prostrate cancer) and Dorain (breast cancer) both received treatment at CancerCare of Maine.
 Bucky and Sue Owen - Orono
Bucky and Sue Owen, Orono
“When I found out I had breast cancer, a dear friend told me about CancerCare of Maine and that I shouldn’t think about going anywhere else. “I’m glad I listened to her, because at CancerCare of Maine I got what I call ‘Cadillac Care’.” Sue was just three months into her treatment when her husband of 45 years, Bucky, learned he had prostate cancer. Once again, the couple did not hesitate to turn to CancerCare of Maine. “They took such great care of my wife, their treatments are state-of-the-art, their staff are compassionate, and they are minutes from my home. Why would I consider going anyplace else?” Bucky said.Even though Bucky is still battling prostate cancer, the Owens remain committed to doing what they love most: enjoying all that Maine has to offer. Sue and Bucky are avid athletes and spend hours outdoors together every week. From cross-country skiing in the winter, to fishing and paddling Maine’s lakes and rivers during spring and summer, the Owens are not allowing cancer to take away their favorite Maine activities.
 Carla and Danny Lafayette - Hampden
Carla and Danny Lafayette, Hampden
“Anywhere you go – the grocery store, the gas station, a restaurant in town - look around and think about the statistics: approximately 50 percent of men and 30 percent of women will be diagnosed with cancer. No one should believe that this disease happens only to ‘other people,’ because it doesn’t - it happens to you and me.” The Lafayettes’ teenage son and several other family members have battled cancer.
 Catherine and Harland Nickerson - Belfast
Catherine and Harland Nickerson, Belfast, retired small business owners
“My husband and I were both very healthy people. I was only in the hospital twice and that was to give birth to our two daughters. Then ‘BAM’, at age 69 I get the big one – cancer. Then Harland got the news that he too had cancer. He was at CancerCare of Maine five days a week (that’s 41 trips!) to fight prostate cancer. He is doing great now, and I’m still battling colon cancer. The people here are excellent. I don’t think you could get excellent care like this anywhere else in the country.” Catherine and Harland are two of 959 Waldo County residents diagnosed and/or treated at CancerCare of Maine since 1998.
 Christine Rackleff - Waterville
Christine Rackleff, Waterville, LL Bean customer service specialist
“When I found out I had breast cancer, my doctor in Waterville said I had a choice: I could get treatments in Portland or Bangor. I said I want to go to CancerCare of Maine. I feel safe here, and the people really know that they’re doing. This was the right choice.” Christine is one of 521 Somerset County residents diagnosed and/or treated at CancerCare of Maine since 1998.
 Dean Tuttle - Dexter
Dean Tuttle, Dexter, Charleston Correctional Facility supervisor
“I always thought that if someone has cancer they die. Well, I was wrong. I recently found out that I have lymphoma. I told my doctor in Dover-Foxcroft that I would check out CancerCare of Maine, and from the moment I walked through the door I knew it was the right place for me. The people here are professional and kind, and I am confident they really know their stuff.” Dean is one of 7, 276 Penobscot County residents diagnosed and/or treated at CancerCare of Maine since 1998.
 Harold Bouchard - Hampden
Harold Bouchard, Hampden
“I was born and raised in Fort Kent, so it concerns me deeply that cancer plagues the northern, eastern, and central regions of Maine more frequently than anywhere else in the state. Until there is a cure for cancer, our mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters from Jackman to Caribou will continue to depend on CancerCare of Maine for high quality cancer care that is close to home. And having battled cancer three times now, I can say from experience that when cancer enters your life, there is truly no place like home.” Harold has fought cancer three times.
 Jennifer Fleming - Calais
Jennifer Fleming, Calais, physical therapist with her mother, Brenda Robb
“In June I found a lump in my throat. I have Hodgkin’s Disease. I’m just 32 years old with a husband and a two-year-old son. At first, I was really scared. However, the staff at CancerCare of Maine really listened to me. They helped me find answers to questions, reassured me, and made my family feel welcome and a part of my treatment. If a person has to go through something like this, CancerCare is the best place to be.” Jennifer is one of 1,741 Washington County residents diagnosed and/or treated at CancerCare of Maine since 1998.
 Karen Stanley - Castine
Karen Stanley, Castine, retired business owner and community volunteer
“Breast cancer runs in my family, and now I’m battling it too. It was important to me that I received care close to home, close to my family and friends. I also appreciate the collaboration between my doctors in Ellsworth and here at CancerCare of Maine.” Karen is one of 2,557 Hancock County residents diagnosed and/or treated at CancerCare of Maine since 1998.
 Kerry Stone - Dover-Foxcroft
Kerry Stone, Dover-Foxcroft, dental assistant
“I’m the first person in my family to be diagnosed with cancer, and since it’s breast cancer, we know my sister and nieces are now at higher risk. I am so relieved that CancerCare of Maine is nearby. The staff are a great resource, and they can always find answers to questions for me and my family. The care here is topnotch, and I especially appreciate being able to see my doctor every time I’m here for a treatment. That is very important to me.” Kerry is one of 807 Piscataquis County residents diagnosed and/or treated at CancerCare of Maine since 1998.
 Patricia Gero - Orrington
Patricia Gero, Orrington
“I had four bouts with cancer. Here I am, 17 years later, and I’m healthy. Dr. Bill Horner saved my life.”
 Susan and Ed McLaughlin - Newport
Susan and Ed McLaughlin, Newport
“The first time I walked through the door at CancerCare of Maine I started to cry. I just couldn’t believe how many people have cancer. Fighting the disease alone isn’t ideal, and that’s why so many of us have family join us for our treatments, which isn’t easy. The space is so cramped that my husband feels like he gets in the way of the staff when they’re trying to care for me. But I need him here by my side, so we just make do the best we can.” Susan is fighting non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
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“Lila Acheson, age 9, of Indian Township, Maine, joined with her classmates last spring at the Indian Township School in raising nearly $1,500 in pennies. This was done to honor and memorialize Lila’s grandmother who was battling breast cancer but later succumbed to the disease. Her grandmother was also a teacher at the school. Their efforts have inspired many school children throughout eastern Maine to follow in the footsteps of Lila and her classmates. Please consider joining them – as it would be terrific for your school to be identified in the new cancer center as a Champion the Cure donor! To learn more, contact Healthcare Charities at 973-5185.”
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