Maine Children's Cancer Program

10/08/2025

10/04/2025

Tomorrow is the Maine Marathon , and we want Team MCCP to know that we’ll be cheering them on and we’re wishing them a great race! Whether they’re running the marathon, half-marathon, or relay, they’re doing it for Maine Children’s Cancer Program and the vital work we do here.

This Team of passionate runners—each with their own reason for joining Team MCCP—are united by a common purpose: to support the kids of Maine and neighboring states in their fight for life-saving treatments. 🎗️

Can’t make it to the race but still want to show your support? Visit www.mainehealth.org/teammccp to make a donation and help the team reach its goal of $30,000!

10/03/2025

✨ Only one more day between Team MCCP and the Maine Marathon ✨

We’ve introduced you to staff members of Maine Children’s Cancer Program who are running with Team MCCP, and I’m sure you can agree that we’ve got a wonderful team here at MCCP! But we have one more staff runner to highlight, so let's meet them.

Meet Emily, a Social Worker at MCCP. We know how fortunate we are to have full time social workers here at the clinic, and luckily for us they are some of the best out there!

When asked why she’s running with Team MCCP, Emily shared:

“This is my second year joining the relay with my fabulous coworkers. I run with a grateful heart and in celebration of the patients and families who are an inspiration. "May we always find a way to lift each other up!" Is my moto!”

Want to cheer on Emily and her teammates or help them reach their fundraising goal of $30,000? Visit www.mainehealth.org/teammccp to learn more and donate 👟

10/02/2025

✨Two days until the Maine Marathon , and Team MCCP are trained and ready to go! ✨

Team MCCP is made up of inspiring individuals, each with their own unique reason for running this year. We’re honored to share their stories and highlight the passion that drives so many to support Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Meet Dave, father of one of our brave MCCP patients, Henry. When asked WHY he is running with Team MCCP he told us-

“I’m running the Maine Marathon with Team MCCP to mark my 50th birthday and give back to the people who’ve supported our family through our son Henry’s cancer journey. MCCP welcomed us when Henry’s neuroblastoma returned after we moved to Maine, and their care has been extraordinary. I am running as a way to give back to this amazing team of devoted human beings that care for children and families in the most crushing of times and I want people to know that because of the care and compassion that MCCP pours out to children, parents, siblings, and our community, life flourishes. This run is my way of honoring the superheroes at MCCP who fight for children and families every day.”

Are you ready to cheer on Team MCCP and help them cross the finish line? 🏁

Your support will help them reach their goal of raising $30,000 for Maine Children’s Cancer Program! Follow the link below to learn more and donate!

www.mainehealth.org/teammccp 👟

10/01/2025

✨ 3 days away from Team MCCP’s big day! ✨

Few days ago, we introduced you to Sunita and her cross-country trip that got her here to Maine and on Team MCCP running the Maine Marathon. We hope you’re excited to learn about the next Maine Children’s Cancer Program staff member running with Team MCCP.

Meet Ashley, a Pediatric Oncologist at MCCP. Ashley is part of the pediatric oncologist team here at MCCP that works closely with our patients every day and guiding them through their diagnosis and treatment.

When asked why she’s running with Team MCCP, Ashley shared:

“I run because...As one of the pediatric oncologists at Maine Children’s Cancer Program, I have the privilege of caring for some of the bravest kids and families I’ll ever know. Every day, I see their strength, resilience, and determination in the face of childhood cancer. I run as a way to show up for them outside of the clinic and to raise support for the work we do at MCCP.”

Want to cheer on Ashley and her teammates or help them reach their fundraising goal of $30,000? Visit www.mainehealth.org/teammccp to learn more and donate 👟

10/01/2025

September was National Service Dog Month and we want to take a moment to honor the incredible comfort and connection that pet therapy and service animals bring to our patients and families.

We’re pleased to introduce 🐾 Iris! 🐾

One of the brightest parts of our week here at Maine Children’s Cancer Program clinic is our sweet therapy dog, Iris, who visits clinic every Thursday with her handler Lori. Iris has a gentle, calming presence — and her favorite request: belly scratches and snuggles right next to you! 💛 Her visits bring smiles, ease anxiety, and create special moments of joy for everyone she meets. She’s also a proud participant in our Spirit Week — always showing up in theme and stealing the show (and hearts)! We’re grateful for the joy Iris brings to our community — and we’re excited to explore adding more days in the week for visits!

To all of the healing animals who make a difference, one paw at a time, thank you!

09/29/2025

✨ The Maine Marathon on is less than a week away, and Team MCCP is ready to run! ✨

Over the next six days, we’ll be introducing you to more of the incredible Maine Children’s Cancer Program staff who are part of Team MCCP. Each one has a powerful story to share, and we’re excited to highlight their dedication and heart.

First up: Meet Sunita, a Clinical Psychologist at MCCP. Sunita plays a vital role in supporting patients and families emotionally as they navigate the challenges of treatment and recovery.

When asked why she’s running with Team MCCP, Sunita shared:

“This last year has been filled with change for me: a cross-country move from one Portland (OR) to another, a new home, and a new job. I’m very glad to have had the opportunity to become a part of the dedicated and caring MCCP team. Joining the marathon relay team is another new experience and a great way to support our brave patients and families. I won’t be fast, but I’ll do my best!”

Want to cheer on Sunita and her teammates or help them reach their fundraising goal of $30,000? Visit www.mainehealth.org/teammccp to learn more and donate 👟

09/26/2025

✨ The race is less than TWO weeks away! The Maine Marathon is right around the corner ✨

Over the past few weeks, we’ve introduced you to Team MCCP runners from all walks of life, each with their own unique reasons for joining the team. Now, we’re highlighting the incredible people behind the scenes — those who help our patients and families navigate the challenges of childhood cancer.

Meet Kelly, a Certified Child Life Specialist at Maine Children’s Cancer Program. She works closely with our patients and their families, offering support, compassion, and care. When asked why she’s running with Team MCCP, Kelly shared:

“Let me start by saying this: I don’t actually like running. In fact, if you ever see me running, you might want to check if something’s chasing me.

But this race isn’t about my love for running — it’s about something far more important. I’m running in honor of the incredible pediatric oncology patients at MCCP I’ve had the privilege to care for. These kids face challenges most of us can’t even imagine, and yet they show up every day with courage, resilience, and often, even laughter.

Every mile is a tribute to them — to their strength, their spirit, and their stories. They inspire me far more than any runner ever could.

So even though my legs may protest (loudly), I'll remind myself just like I remind my patients daily, " You CAN do Hard things".”

Want to cheer on Kelly and her colleagues or help them reach their goal of $30,000? Visit www.mainehealth.org/teammccp to learn more and donate 🏁

09/24/2025

At Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP), our commitment goes beyond childhood cancer—we’re deeply dedicated to supporting local children and adolescents battling blood disorders as well.

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and Team MCCP is proud to spotlight the impact of sickle cell disease (SCD) and the care we provide to young patients across Maine and neighboring states.

Did you know MCCP has supported 108 patients with SCD since the program began?

Thanks to generous community support, the funds raised for MCCP not only help children battling cancer but also provide critical ongoing treatment for those living with blood disorders like sickle cell. 🩸

That’s why Team MCCP is on a mission to raise $30,000—to ensure we can continue offering this essential care and support to families who need it most.

❤️ Join us in making a difference. Click the link to donate and learn more about how you can help Team MCCP run the Maine Marathon!

www.Mainehealth.org/teammccp

09/18/2025

✨ A little less than THREE WEEKS out from the Maine MarathonMaine Marathon! ✨

Team MCCP is made up of inspiring individuals, each with their own unique reason for running this year. We’re honored to share their stories and highlight the passion that drives so many to support Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Meet Kristen, Sister of an MCCP patients, Micah, who’s all grown up! When asked WHY she is running with Team MCCP she told us-

“I run in honor of my brother Micah, a two-time childhood cancer survivor—first diagnosed at age 5 with soft tissue sarcoma, and again at 17 with osteosarcoma. The tumor spread so fast it broke his jaw. Without the knowledgeable and caring doctors and nurses, Micah wouldn’t be here today. I’m running this half marathon for MCCP to help other families get the support they need and to give their children a chance to survive like Micah ❤ Team MCCP brings together medical staff, families, and communities for a great cause. I’m honored to run with them in recognition of my brother’s strength. A cancer diagnosis consumes a family. Having a loving, supportive care team is crucial for patients and their families. So, to summarize, I run to honor my brother, to give higher meaning to putting in the miles, and to raise awareness to a great cause that supports families who are going through what my family went through”

Are you ready to cheer on Team MCCP and help them cross the finish line? 🏁

Your support will help them reach their goal of raising $30,000 for Maine Children’s Cancer Program! Follow the link below to learn more and donate!

www.mainehealth.org/teammccp 👟

09/14/2025

💛 2025 MCCP WALK 💛

👟 Early yesterday morning, we walked with over 500 of you to celebrate and honor the brave kiddos of the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, and to bring awareness to childhood cancer.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we come together to recognize the strength and resilience of children battling cancer, support their families, and amplify the urgent need for continued research, funding, and care. Every child deserves a future free from the pain and uncertainty of cancer—and every step we take, every Walk we hold, and every story we tell brings us closer to that reality.

It’s more than just a month on the calendar—it’s a reminder of the importance of fighting for a day when no child must suffer from cancer. The gold ribbon symbolizes not only awareness, but hope. 🎗️

The Walk may be behind us, but we’re not done yet! We’re still working toward our $100,000 goal—and what better time to reach it than during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?

If you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to make a difference. Click the link below to help us finish strong!

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning. Your presence, your energy, and your compassion made the walk special. See you next year! 💛

09/13/2025

2025 MCCP Walk