TAMC to hold Colors of Courage 5K on September 30th

Area residents have an opportunity to support their family members, friends and neighbors in their fight against cancer at a colorful event set for Saturday, September 30, in Presque Isle.

The Colors of Courage 5K is open to runners and walkers who want to support those impacted by cancer in The County and honor or remember loved ones.

All proceeds raised will support the patient assistance fund at TAMC’s Aroostook Cancer Care for individuals and families dealing with cancer.  The fund provides financial assistance to offset the related costs of transportation for appointments and treatments, as well as other expenses for individuals who are presented with financial hardship as they fight the disease.  In addition to financial support, this 5K provides the opportunity for emotional support as well.

Prior to the start of the race, a special “Champion” lap will be held around TAMC’s A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital campus on Academy Street in Presque Isle.  A wide range of individuals will be carrying special colored flags with the Colors of Courage event logo on them; each flag represents a cancer that has impacted the lives of those carrying them.  In some cases, the colored flag bearers have fought their own battle with cancer; in other cases, they are honoring or remembering a loved one touched by one of the forms of this deadly disease.

One such champion is Peggy Billings of Presque Isle.  Billings ran the Colors of Courage 5K in 2015, but she returns this year with a more personal mission.  Her daughter Jessie has stage 3 triple negative breast cancer.  She has been undergoing chemotherapy and has a long road ahead of her with surgery, reconstruction and radiation.

Following the Champion lap, there will also be a free Kids Fun Run lap around the hospital campus which is open to all children age 12 and under. This distance is about half a mile, and all finishers will be awarded an event medal.

The 5K begins and ends outside the Aroostook Cancer Care entrance at the hospital. From there participants will make their way down Cedar Street, cross over to Pine Street, circle Mantle Lake Park, and make their way back to the hospital (See Map).  Special awards will be given to the top male and female finishers. All participants will receive a commemorative bib and medal.

Registration for the 5K run/walk is $20 for those who register by the end of August. Beginning September 1, the cost is $25. Kids may participate in the fun run for free.  You can register online or download a registration form at www.tamc.org/colorsofcourage. Registrations will also be accepted in person on race day.  Registration/check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., with the welcome and introduction of Champions at 9:30 a.m.

The Colors of Courage 5K is a time and place to honor friends and family members who have shown strength through their struggle with this disease and to aid them in their fight. For more information, visit www.tamc.org.

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