I challenge the people of the great state of Maine to take the “Stand Up To Cancer” challenge, ongoing at a national level. Cancer has had a negative impact on people’s lives for too long. It has impacted adults and children. It is time to stop cancer. It affects all lives.

I challenge all media, all store chains, restaurants, fire departments, police departments and businesses to put together their own “Stand Up To Cancer” challenge. Line the streets and roads of Lewiston and Auburn (or anywhere you can find) with people holding hands to show support for each other. No one wants to stand alone to cancer. I also challenge the Maine Legislature and Gov. Paul LePage.

A note to the Lewiston Police — how about having participants from the city of Lewiston and the city of Auburn lock hands facing each other across the bridge that separates the two cities? Can that be done? If not, I will gladly do it alone.

Who will join me to beat cancer?

Jesse Burgess, Lewiston