We are very proud to acknowledge the efforts of our employees who participated in the 2015 Maine Cancer Foundation Tri for a Cure! Cancer is the #1 killer in the state of Maine, and the Tri for a Cure is a unique event because all the money raised stays right here in Maine to help foster prevention programs, increase cancer screening, and improve patient outcomes.
For EnviroLogix Scientist Laura Brown (pictured on the right), this was her fifth year of involvement with the Tri for a Cure. Every year, she is inspired by the hundreds of women who participate because their lives have been touched by cancer in some way, and many are cancer survivors themselves. “The Tri is such an extraordinary event, because it is a huge celebration that brings the volunteers, participants and the community together,” Laura explains; “it is our collective determination to beat cancer that fuels so many amazing athletes who take months to train and fundraise.”
When fellow Scientist Brenda McMackin (pictured on the left) heard that Laura wanted to do the Tri again last year but didn’t want to do the whole thing alone, an alliance was created. Laura is an avid cyclist (and recently completed the Trek Across Maine), and Brenda swims every day at lunchtime, so they asked Gretchen Wight, Quality Assurance Manager, (pictured center) to be the team runner. The three women formed a relay team and called themselves the Tri Amigas. They successfully completed the triathalon and were inspired by the hundreds of women that showed up to show their support for this continued fight for a cure. Gretchen says “it was amazing to see so many women of all ages racing for important people in their lives.”
Brenda agrees, and added that “all of us are touched by cancer. We all have family or friends who have survived or succumbed to cancer. This year, my community lost a very special man to pancreatic cancer. He was a coach, Scout leader, church volunteer and always available to help someone out. It motivated me to know that I was contributing to a cause that might be able to save a good person like him with the money raised to fund research.”
Kate Baltren, HR Administrator, wasn’t feeling ready to compete but knew that she wanted to support all the amazing women who were. She donated her time as a Tri volunteer and directed traffic during the event. Kate has volunteered with cancer research organizations for the last 5 years and says cancer has had a significant impact on her family. She was inspired by this all-women event, and says “being out on the course, seeing them competing and knowing the incredible sum of money they had raised in our area for cancer research was amazing. It was a great experience and I am looking forward to doing it again next year!”