LEWISTON – The annual walk-a-thon for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program took place on Sept. 16. The $6,400 raised will help care for Maine families battling cancer.

Walk coordinator Kathy MacDonald acknowledged the efforts of the walkers and emphasized the importance of the program. “The MCCP provides care for the entire family. Examples of how the money is used include phone cards for use during hospital stays, gas cards to get to distant doctor appointments and much needed medical equipment not covered by insurance,” she said.

Shaw’s Supermarket in Lewiston hosted the walk and DJ Dave Dionne provided the music. The Lewiston High School marching band and cheerleaders provided entertainment, along with Maine Event Cheer.

“Lewy” the Maineiac mascot, intermingled with walkers while MCCP families shared their stories. Kevin McKeown, an 18-year-old Leukemia survivor, presented a teddy bear to 7-year-old Jenna Doucette, a patient in the program. Both were given medals of honor provided by LAYCL cheering.

The National Guard Humvee, driven by Staff Sergeant Charles Bowling, led the walk. Walkers were awarded T-shirts and door prizes, including tickets to the Oxford Plains Speedway. Katie Gosselin won the grand prize, a Portland Seadogs signed baseball, which included autographs from Red Sox players Jonathan Papelbon and Jon Lester.

Anne Liss of USM Golden Key International Honour Society explained the significance of the balloon release at the conclusion of the walk. “Each person was given a balloon to represent a child fighting cancer. Our organization, along with Sarah Jeanne’s Family Hair Care and Tanning, sponsored the balloon release as a symbol of setting children free from their illness,” she said.

Additional information can be found at www.mmc.org/mccp.