News & Events

Champion the Cure Challenge Announces 2023 Honorees

Date: 01/23/2023

Champion the Cure Challenge, the region’s only event whose proceeds fund local cancer treatment and research, proudly celebrates the individuals, businesses, and organizations that help bring the best treatments to Maine, contribute to future cures, and inspire others to join in the fight to defeat cancer. Since the first event in 2010, Champion the Cure Challenge has raised more than $6.5 million to benefit patient care and research at Northern Light Cancer Care.

Each year, The Challenge recognizes several honorees who are extraordinarily dedicated to the cause. Champion the Cure Challenge is pleased to recognize its 2023 Honorees:

Carrie Meo, Honorary Chair
Carrie has been a staunch advocate for those facing cancer using her businesses to support Champion the Cure Challenge and the patients at Northern Light Cancer Care for more than a decade. In 2019, Carrie began in earnest to help bring hair preservation to Northern Light Cancer Care in memory of her dear friend, Robin.

Kerry Jordan, Terry Fox Award
Kerry, honored posthumously, faced cancer multiple times; an avid hiker, it may be that she saw it as a summit to traverse. Practicing law professionally, Kerry was intrigued with the concept of scalp cooling, which allowed her to retain most of her hair during one of her treatments.  When Kerry learned fundraising had begun to bring hair preservation to Northern Light Cancer Care, she stepped forward help lead the campaign, successfully bringing the technology to patients during a global pandemic and while she faced yet another recurrence.

Joanie Whitsel, Employee Champion
A member of Northern Light Health Pharmacy’s Oncology team, Joanie has been a dedicated supporter of Champion the Cure Challenge for several years. Her work provides her a first-hand look at the way our patients benefit from funds raised through the event. She’s been a creative fundraiser leading such efforts as an annual cookie walk where individuals can buy dozens of cookies in time for the holidays to support The Challenge.

Season’s, Corporate Champion
Season’s Restaurant has been a wonderful corporate champion for the past seven years. They provide meals for participants following the event and stay all day until everyone returns, regardless of how late it is. Their generosity is greatly appreciated by participants and volunteers alike. 

Jess Francis, Volunteer of the Year
Jess is instrumental in ensuring the West Enfield rest stop is available for Champion the Cure cyclists. For the past 12 years, she has worked tirelessly to make sure the cyclists have everything they need and can get back on the road feeling refreshed. 

Mimi’s Softball Tournament, Community Champion
Tommy Hosmer was just 7 years old when he first met with Northern Light Health Foundation to discuss his vision of hosting a softball tournament to benefit Northern Light Cancer Care in honor of his Mimi.  It was then that the Team Mimi Annual Softball Tournament was born.  The event is held annually and has raised more than $70,000!

This year’s Champion the Cure Challenge events are scheduled for August, September, and October of 2023. To learn more and register for this year’s Champion the Cure Challenge, please visit ctcchallenge.org.