In keeping with tradition, the Wells Girls Basketball Teams’ annual Shootin’ for a Cure event was victorious over another snow storm on January 18th, allowing for a successful day of free throw shootouts, basketball games and fundraising for York Hospital’s Living Well With Cancer Program, before the flakes arrived in full force! Team members proudly rounded out their day by presenting York Hospital with a check for $23,000, to bring the event’s eleven-year total to $293,790! Coach Don Abbott, smiling and proudly dressed in his patented pink sweater, said, “Once again the Wells/Ogunquit communities showed the power of compassion, love, and service to others. Shootin’ for a Cure, now in its eleventh year, continues to be a great source of pride for the Wells Lady Warriors and all those involved.”
This event that Coach Abbott spearheads, with the SFAC Committee (all have remained together now for eleven years!), began with a free throw shoot out by 55 girls in grades 5-12, who raised money through pledges, and culminated in an exciting win versus Kittery’s Traip Academy. Prizes were happily accepted by free throw winners Megyn Mertens (5th/ 6th Grade), Maren Maxon (7th Grade), Ellie Moore (8th Grade), Coco Allaire (Jr. Varsity) and Franny Ramsdell (Varsity). Hailey Marshall won the 50th and final “Moneyball” shot drawing. The 2020 top overall fundraiser Maren Maxon raised $2,269, winning several prizes as well as a long and loud round of applause from the crowd. Girls who raised over $250 were recognized, and a grand prize of a $500 shopping spree was won by Cali Leighton, who was eligible because she raised at least $100. A bake sale and raffles highlighting all things pink and delicious, donated by the community and other local businesses, added to the festivities and the cause’s bottom line.
The event wasn’t centered solely on fundraising, however. This was also a place for cancer survivors to feel supported. An annual highlight is the Survivor Challenge, where varsity team members partner with cancer survivors—over 16 women and men who are currently undergoing or have successfully undergone treatment for cancer—together taking foul shots to celebrate the journey each survivor has made. York Hospital President Jud Knox offers that “This event is a perfect follow up to the holidays, as it keeps that spirit of community and kindness thriving. You can’t help but feel inspired and warmed by the girls’ commitment and enthusiasm throughout the day’s events, from the Free Throw Shoot, Survivor Challenge or even setting up the activities table! And with Coaches Don Abbott and Pierce Cole, their veteran SFAC Committee, and the generous Wells community leading the way to another amazing and successful year, York Hospital is beyond thankful to be part of this amazing team. We are lucky indeed.”
The money raised will help support the Hospital’s Living Well With Cancer Program—helping to improve the quality of life of those who have been diagnosed with and are undergoing treatment for cancer at York Hospital. Services include emergency funds for gas and food, nutritional and exercise programs, wigs, head covers and prosthetics, integrative therapies like massage, Reiki and Acupuncture and others that center on the mind, body and well-being.
If you would like to learn more about YH’s Oncology and Infusion Care Services or the Living Well With Cancer programs visit www.yorkhospital.com/services/cancercare, or contact Medical Oncology Social Worker Susan Kelly-Westman at (207) 351-3721 or email: [email protected]