Lights of Life holiday tradition supports cancer care, celebrates those affected by cancer

Date: 11/21/2023

Presque Isle, Maine (November 20, 2023) — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital has kicked off its 2023 Lights of Life campaign.  Community members can honor and remember friends, family members, caregivers, and others who have been affected by cancer. Every dollar raised through Lights of Life will stay local to support cancer care services in Aroostook County.
 
This fundraising effort includes the sale of colored lights to help “brighten” the holidays for the hospital’s cancer patients and all those impacted by cancer across the region. Lights are being sold for: white, $10; red, $25; green, $50; Blue, $100; orange, $250, purple, $500. Of course, as with all Christmas trees, whether real or symbolic, there is a shining star to top it off.
 
One star is also sold each year for a donation of $1,000. The star honoree is the featured individual for the year’s fundraising event. This year’s star has yet to be sold, so that opportunity is still available for anyone wanting to remember or honor a loved one or loved ones in this unique way.
 
The funds raised from this annual event help provide support where it is most needed for Northern Light Cancer Care in Presque Isle. Previous years’ funds have been used to purchase new equipment for patient care as well as to support the Cancer Care patient assistance fund, which helps patients with costs associated with their fight against cancer.
 
“Patients are very appreciative of the assistance we can offer them through the support of efforts like this, particularly help with travel.  Travel to and from their appointments can be costly and difficult for patients to work into their budgets,” said Brenda Baker, manager of Northern Light Cancer Care in Presque Isle.
 
The names of all who are remembered or honored by the purchase of a light will be posted on the hospital’s website, which will be updated weekly throughout the campaign.  In the new year, all names will also be displayed on a plaque in the hallway of Northern Light AR Gould Hospital’s Cancer Care. Donations are being accepted through December 31.  Upon request, Lights of Life note cards will be provided for those who purchase lights and want to send a message to honorees or their families.
 
For more details or to purchase a light, visit northernlighthealth.org/ARGouldLights.