The Wells High School Lady Warriors Varsity Basketball team presents a check to York Hospital for cancer patients. From left are Wells Coach Don Abbott, Rep. Bob Foley, Trustee John Houlihan, Susan Kelly-Westman and Mammography Techs: Lisa Plourde, Yvonne Balzano and Kathy Bry. SUBMITTED PHOTO
For the ninth straight year, York Hospital and their cancer patients were the clear winners of The Wells Lady Warriors’ effective offense, as the team presented them with a $25,000 check at their Shootin’ for a Cure basketball benefit on Jan. 13.
The Wells High School gym was the place for a cancer survivor to feel supported. This all-day event, spearheaded by Coach Don Abbott and a committed SFAC Committee, began with a free throw shoot out, involving 71 girls in grades 5 to 11, who raised money through pledges, and culminated in an exciting game versus Kennebunk.
Top foul shooter, MacKenzie Foss, sunk an impressive 47 out of 50 for the shoot-out, and will enjoy a spa package for two donated by Naviina Salon & Day Spa.
While each team’s free throw champion received a gift bag and a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card:
• Fifth Grade: Hailey Marshall
• Sixth Grade: Cali Leighton
• Seventh Grade: Alivia Boucher
• Eighth Grade: Grace Ramsdell
• Junior Varsity: Logan Bedell
A highlight of the annual event is the Survivor Challenge, where varsity team members partner with cancer survivors—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.
While survivors competed to “win”, at the conclusion of the competition, it was announced that every survivor—each a winner—would receive a prize donated by Moody-Maxon Real Estate and Regency Mortgage. Each woman left with a spa package, while the men went home with a gift certificate for “lunch on us” at various local eateries.
York Hospital Board Member, John Houlihan, participating in the Survivor Challenge on behalf of his daughter, Katie, who lost her battle to cancer four years ago, was “amazed by the exuberance and effort put forth by The Lady Warriors, Coach Don Abbott and Athletic Director Pierce Cole and The SFAC Committee: Kevin Fox, Judy Moody, Darcy Ramsdell, Karen Tufts, Cheryl Turner and Marty Webb who for the past nine years have devoted untold hours to an event that has raised nearly $250,000 to date.”
Another highlight for all in attendance—the cheers that echoed throughout the gym when an announcement was made, with York Hospital President Jud Knox’s deepest gratitude.
“Your dedicated, generous, heartful efforts make enormous differences for those patients and families faced with some of the most difficult challenges of life. Your special effort deliver love, spirit and joy,” he said. “And so in recognition of your compassion, York Hospital is dedicating the Well Breast Care Center to The Wells Girls Basketball Program.”
Houlihan agreed.
“For eight years, starting in fifth grade, through 12th, these amazing girls are raising money for cancer patients. That’s unbelievable…a tribute well-deserved,” he said.
The 2018 top overall fundraiser was Laney O’Brien, who raised more than $1,500, and received an Amazon Gift Package for her efforts. Also, an additional three girls individually raised $1,000 each.
Those girls who raised at least $250 each – and there were 18 of them, for a total of $4,500 – were recognized as members of the Pink Ribbon Club.
A grand prize drawing was also held for girls raising at least $100, and was won by Cali Leighton. She will be enjoying a $500 shopping spree including limousine ride, donated by SIS Bank and Abbott Brothers. A bake sale and raffles donated by the community and other local businesses were also held, adding to the festivities and cause’s bottom line.
The money they raised will help support the Hospital’s Living Well With Cancer program that help improve the quality of life of those who have been diagnosed with and are undergoing treatment for cancer at York Hospital. These funds support services including 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 York Hospital’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 351-3721 or by email at skelly-westman@yorkhospital.com.
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