Buoy Up to Cancer
Join Healthy Acadia as we work to create a world in which all Downeast Maine people who are experiencing cancer can thrive, not just survive.
Launched in December 2021 with the Bridge of Hope, a colorful, hand-painted buoy and light installation on Jeremiah O'Brien Memorial Bridge, which spans the Machias River at Bad Little Falls on U.S Route 1 in Machias, the six-month campaign serves to bring awareness to the high incidence of cancer in Downeast Maine, and in particular, in Washington County and raise funds to support the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation program.
The “Buoy Up to Cancer” campaign will culminate in a community-powered installation of Downeast Maine’s first-ever Tree of Hope at the Machias public boat landing near Helen’s Restaurant, anticipated for display at the end of May 2022.
With your help, “Buoy Up to Cancer” will honor and remember our loved ones, patients, caregivers, family, and friends whose lives have been touched by cancer.
The “Buoy Up to Cancer” buoy and light installation will serve to recognize individuals who fight the fight, and those who work to support people through the challenges of cancer.
This year, we also celebrate our Healthcare Heroes - those who provide unwavering and compassionate care, and have gone above and beyond to heal and protect our loved ones, their loved ones, and our communities during, and in spite of the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
You are invited to dedicate one (or more!) buoys to people in the cancer community who you want to honor or memorialize.
We also welcome you to champion a cancer patient to receive Cancer Patient Navigation services at the suggested donation amount of $400 (the equivalent of a day of patient navigation services). “Buoy Up to Cancer” will directly benefit Healthy Acadia's Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program and those impacted by cancer in our region.
What is the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program?
Launched in 2017, the program is a collaboration between Healthy Acadia and the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center to serve community members across the continuum of care, including through coordination of cancer prevention efforts, early detection, and treatment. Our cancer patient navigator works one-on-one with patients who are facing a cancer diagnosis, helping them to navigate the healthcare and social service systems and community resources to access appropriate diagnostic, treatment, recovery, support, and financial services.
Working directly with patients, caregivers and healthcare providers, we offer a compassionate and dependable system of support to help facilitate timely access to quality healthcare, empower patients to be in control of their healthcare and other aspects of their lives, and improve patient outcomes.
Patient navigation services are offered at no cost to patients. Your participation helps to sustain and grow these critical cancer services. Thank you.
→ CLICK HERE to dedicate a buoy in honor or memory of an individual, or in honor of local healthcare heroes.
→ To make a contribution in support of the Downeast Cancer Patient Navigation Program, CLICK HERE.
→ For more information about this work, or to access patient navigation services, please click here or contact Angela Fochesato by email at Angela@HealthyAcadia.org or by calling (207) 255-3741 Ext. 103.
→ To learn more about giving options, contact Shoshona Smith by email at Shoshona@HealthyAcadia.org or phone at (207) 667-7171 Ext. 210.