News & Events

AR Gould holds tree lighting as part of ongoing Lights of Life campaign

Date: 12/13/2024

Caption: Approximately 100 hospital staff and community members gathered on December 5 for the official lighting of the Lights of Life tree in front of the hospital. The Lights of Life is an annual fundraising to support cancer care services and cancer patients at AR Gould Hospital.

Presque Isle, Maine (December 12, 2024) — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital held its first tree lighting ceremony since before COVID on December 5 in front of the hospital. The tree not only celebrates the season, but, most importantly, is a symbol for the hospital’s annual Lights of Life fundraising campaign to support cancer care patients.
 
“This tree with all of its beautiful lights is a shining symbol of hope for all who see it, while providing meaningful support to those in need this holiday season and beyond,” said Dr. Jay Reynolds, hospital president. “Lights of Life has raised more than $100,000 for a variety of cancer causes over the past 16 years, from providing funds to help get a new linear accelerator that gives life-saving radiation therapy to supporting the financial needs of our patients related to their cancer care treatment.”
 
Through Lights of Life, donors can honor and remember someone special in a meaningful way. Hundreds have been honored this way over the years through this campaign. Every dollar raised through Lights of Life stays local to support cancer care services and patients at AR Gould Hospital.
 
Also speaking at the ceremony was Lukas Emery, DO, lead medical oncologist in AR Gould’s Cancer Care practice.
 
“Patients come to us needing clinical care, but our oncology center offers so much more, supporting our patients and their families with their individualized needs,” said Dr. Emery. “We have well over 100 patients annually that receive support from our patient fund. It’s not one time allocation, but support throughout their care with our team.”
 
This assistance can include help with transportation; lodging; Durable Medical Equipment items such as splints, tube feedings and glucometers; and social needs such as fuel, heating, and grocery assistance.
 
“Thank you for your donation and know that support stays with local patients and families that rely on our team for services,” said Dr. Emery.
 
For those who would still like to donate, it’s not too late. Donations will be accepted through the end of the month. You can purchase a light (white, $15; red, $30; green, $50; Blue, $100; orange, $250, purple, $500); a star for $1,000; a constellation for $2,500; or sponsor the entire tree for $5,000.
 
The purchase of lights can be made online at northernlighthealth.org/ARGouldLights or by filling out the form from a Lights of Life brochure. These brochures have been mailed to past donors, can also be picked up in the main lobby of the hospital or in the Cancer Care practice, or downloaded from the website.
 
Upon request, Lights of Life note cards will be provided for those who want to send a message to honorees or their families.  The names of all who are remembered or honored are being posted on the hospital’s website as well as in the hospital.