LEWISTON – Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert Sr. and fifth-graders from Longley School worked together to plant 1,000 pink tulip bulbs at Lewiston Veteran’s Park. The effort is part of the Maine Cancer Foundation’s annual “Pink Tulip Project.”

The project was founded by Robin Whitten of Portland after her 2004 breast cancer diagnosis. Throughout her winter-long treatment, Whitten anticipated seeing her spring garden of tulips. That vision kept her going and inspired her to share the optimism of spring’s renewal by creating the Pink Tulip Project.

Joined by breast cancer survivors and members of the local medical profession, Gilbert said, “The Pink Tulip Project is so much more than a ceremonial planting. The presence of the tulips in the spring are meant to serve as an inspiration to those facing medical challenges by reminding them that they are certainly not alone and that there is hope. We care in the city of Lewiston, and we all benefit when encouraging and supporting our fellow residents.”

Since its first celebration last year, the project has become popular, and more than 5,000 pink tulip bulbs will be planted in Lewiston alone this year in anticipation of a May 2008 blooming. Other community partners are Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Central Maine Medical Center and Bates College.

The Pink Tulip Project also enables fundraising for the Maine Cancer Foundation, as individuals have the opportunity to symbolically sponsor a tulip in recognition of a loved one. The 2007 pink tulip fundraising tally to date is $32,645, and others who wish to participate may contact the Maine Cancer Foundation at 773-2533.

The Maine Cancer Foundation, founded in 1976, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of Maine people by funding scientific laboratory and clinical research, professional and public education and patient support programs. One hundred percent of funds raised remain in Maine.