LEWISTON – The annual walk-a-thon for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program took place on Sept. 15. The $28,900 raised will help care for Maine families battling cancer.

Walk coordinator Kathy MacDonald acknowledged the walkers and emphasized the importance of the program. “Over the years we watch children in the Maine Children’s Cancer Program grow up and lead normal lives. This is priceless. I am proud to be part of this event. Sponsors pay for walk expenses so that 100 percent of all pledges raised by walkers go directly to providing the care that is vital to the survival of our children and families at the program,” she said.

Jenna Doucette of Lewiston was selected to design the walk-a-thon logo. The honor is bestowed upon a patient of the cancer program each year and the winning design is printed on T-shirts, posters and pamphlets, which are used at locations statewide.

Top fundraisers chose prizes donated by sponsors. The top five fundraisers this year were Dee Stanley, Becky Anderson, Sandra McGill, Joline Fortier and Sue Castonguay. The top two fundraising teams were McKesson and USM Golden Key International Honour Society.

Balloons were released at the conclusion of the walk. Anne Liss of the Golden Key International Honour Society explained the significance of the balloon release. “Each walker carries a balloon, which represents a child fighting cancer. After a moment of silence for our little angels, we release the balloons as a symbol of setting children free from their illness,” she said.

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