The Brian’s Ride Cancer Fund is pleased to announce the fund is a recipient of a Transportation and Lodging grant from Maine Cancer Foundation in the amount of $40,000. This is a two year grant assisting cancer patients undergoing treatment of Aroostook County with transportation and lodging needs.
The Brian’s Ride Cancer Fund was founded in 2015 in memory of Brian Caldwell who sadly passed from gastric cancer in 2014. His sister, Pamela Caldwell, saw first-hand the hardships her bother endured while going through cancer treatments. She initiated the fund by organizing a memorial motorcycle ride in August of 2015 that raised over $8,000. Because of its success, other fundraisers followed and the name “Brian’s Ride” stuck as cancer can be a journey filled with hills, valleys, and winding roads. The fund assists in paying for costs not covered by health insurance such as transportation, lodging, co-payments, and medical supplies.
Because of the continued support of fundraisers and Maine Cancer Foundation, the Brian’s Ride Cancer Fund has recently surpassed having dispersed over $100,000 to our friends and neighbors here in Aroostook County to assist with cancer treatment needs. This is the second Transportation and Lodging Grant provided by Maine Cancer Foundation and the funds dispersed could not have been possible without these grants. In addition to this grant, the Brian’s Ride Cancer Fund also received a total of $10,000 in Covid-19 relief grants earlier in 2020 to assist with costs other than transportation and lodging to those impacted by the pandemic. Maine Cancer Foundation’s grant is offered as part of their ongoing efforts to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Maine. They have awarded over $12 million since 2015 in support of this initiative, focused of prevention, early detection and screening, and access to care for all Mainers. To learn more about Maine Cancer Foundation, visit www.mainecancer.org or contact Katelyn Michaud, [email protected] 207.773.2533.
If you or someone you know is undergoing cancer treatments and in need of assistance, please contact Nurse Navigator Kaitlyn Umphrey at the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center of Cary Medical Center at 207.498.1370 to inquire about guidelines and an application.
Here are just a few of the many positive things our patients have to say about their the care they received at Cary Medical Center.
The staff in one day surgery is absolutely amazing. I was very thankful for my team of nurses, doctors and right down to the secretary that checked me in. You all were so amazing, friendly and professional. Thank you so much!
I am beyond happy with our visit at Cary! We can't thank you and your amazing staff for keeping our little boy your #1 concern. You did such an amazing job! Thank you Cary Medical Center!
This hospital was exactly what a hospital should be. The took such good care of my grandmother and the display of humanity and compassion was genuine. I am forever grateful.
I had my son at Cary and I couldn’t imagine being treated better anywhere. The staff were attentive, empathetic, and went above and beyond for my comfort. I wouldn’t want to give birth anywhere else.
A big shout-out to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Cary Medical Center’s ER, Imaging, Lab, Food Service, and ACU Departments. I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful care from each of you.
