This dream began to take shape last fall, when I knew that I wanted to do something big to fight children's cancer. My goal is not only to raise money, but also awareness, and to send the message that we care to families battling cancer. MCCP is an outpatient facility where an average of 200 children per year receive treatments such as chemotherapy, in a caring and close-to-home setting. When those children need hospitalization, they go to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. Both are part of the Maine Medical Center.
The money we raise will go to fund research, buy new equipment, and provide psychosocial services to children and families. As part of the Children's Oncology Group, MCCP takes part in the same innovative clinical trials as many of the large research hospitals. Since the 1950's, clinical trials have helped increase the cure rate for children with cancer from 10% to nearly 80% today!
If you check out the PFH webpage on the tab above, you will see the fundraising thermometer is climbing and now stands at $1,299. It is only updated periodically, but includes donations by cash and check, as well as online donations.
Enough background for now. Here is a picture of me in my 12-foot Native Watercraft hybrid kayak, paddling on Pemaquid Pond about a week ago. I'm out now on the roads and ponds, as well as walking and doing weight training. There's lots more to tell you, some I hope you will become a faithful follower as I blog on!
Nice blog! Now you have me curious--what's hybrid kayak? Is there something greener than a regular kayak? :D
ReplyDelete--Mal
You don't get any greener than going across Maine in a kayak (except for your support team driving back and forth)! A hybrid kayak has an open cockpit like a canoe, making it easier to outfit it for a long distance excursion like PFH. Mine has a removable seat, which sits on the bottom of the boat and, of course, I will use a kayak paddle.
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