LEWISTON – Despite rain on Sept. 18, more than 100 people walked three miles to raise money for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. The event raised $9,300 for the program that provides integrated, comprehensive, clinical research-based medical care and psychosocial and practical support services to children with cancer from throughout the state.

Walk Coordinator Shari Cloutier proclaimed the walk the “most successful event we’ve had thanks to the many volunteers and caring folks that live in the Lewiston area. Androscoggin County has the third highest number of childhood cancer patients in Maine. That makes events like this walk-a-thon so important.”

Shaw’s in Lewiston hosted the event, donating refreshments, volunteers and indoor space for walkers to gather prior to the event. DJ Dave Dionne played music so seven local cheerleading teams could perform.

The Lewiston High School Marching Band and mascots such as “Lewy” the Maineiac, the LHS Blue Devil, the Central Maine Community College Mustang, and Scooby Doo added to the event. The top team at the event was Edward Little Varsity Cheerleading Team, raising $980, while the top individual was Kathy MacDonald, who raised $780.

Started as a cheerleading community event in 2001, the walk has grown in attendance and financial contributions each year. Lewiston area families attended to share their cancer stories and to acknowledge the walkers for helping their children fight cancer.

Marguerite McKeown, who’s son, Kevin, is a cancer survivor, said, “Today, Kevin is a survivor of childhood leukemia thanks to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Every MCCP doctor and nurse with their dedication to treating and curing our son and all children with cancer is a miracle.”

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