Maine Children's Cancer Program

05/06/2026

Today is National Nurses Day, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by highlighting one of the incredible nurses who makes our clinic so special. We are deeply grateful for each and every one of our nurses, who consistently go above and beyond for their patients and for the program.

Meet Jackie O’Kelly, one of our dedicated Registered Nurses! Jackie has been with the clinic for two years and is continually inspired by the courage and resilience of her patients. Supporting both patients and their families through such a challenging chapter in their lives is what drives her and fuels the compassion she brings to her work every day.

When Jackie isn’t caring for others, you can find her chasing her 1-year-old, Finley, alongside her golden retriever, Winnie. She’s also an avid runner and enjoys spending time at the lake while working on her latest crocheting project.

We are so thankful for Jackie and all of our RNs whose compassion, dedication, and heart make a lasting impact on our patients and families every single day.

MCCPforME

04/28/2026

A BIG SHOUT-OUT TO SWISH OUT! 🎉🏀

C U Swish Out Childhood Cancer—Maine’s longest-running 3-on-3 charity basketball tournament, returned for its 32nd year on April 11. Forty players gathered at the University of Southern Maine gymnasium in Gorham for a day of basketball, all to benefit Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Thanks to individual fundraising efforts and generous local sponsorships, Swish Out raised more than $30,000 this year! To date, the event has raised over $800,000 and is closing in on the $1 million milestone.

Events like Swish Out, and the incredible people who make them possible, allow MCCP to continue supporting children facing cancer and blood disorders. 🎗️

04/22/2026

Meet Sunita Nijhawan, the incredible woman behind our new neuropsychology service!

Sunita has been with us since November 2024 and hasn’t wasted any time making her mark. In her role, she guides and supports patients as they navigate the neurological changes that can accompany survival from their conditions and treatments. This includes supporting their thinking processes, how they play, and their basic emotional and social functioning. She plays a pivotal role in helping patients adjust to this new chapter of their lives and care.

When Sunita isn’t guiding her patients through their post-treatment journeys, she enjoys spending time with her husband and cat. She also finds joy in learning new skills, such as playing tennis and the bass.

We’re so lucky to have Sunita as part of the family, and we’re thrilled to feature her in this Staff Spotlight!

04/20/2026

🏃 HAPPY MARATHON MONDAY 🏃

To everyone running this morning—Team MCCP is cheering you on! 🎉

Whether you are spectating or racing today, you can keep Marathon Monday momentum going by joining Team MCCP and training for the Maine Marathon. You’ve got 24 weeks to train and fundraise to support children in Maine and neighboring states who are facing the challenges of childhood cancer and blood disorders. 🎗️👟

To register for Team MCCP or to donate toward their goal, visit the link below.
👉www.mainehealth.org/teammccp

04/08/2026

The C-U Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge is only two days away 🏀! There’s still time to gather your team and register to join in on the fun while supporting Maine Children’s Cancer Program 💛!

After 31 years of 3-on-3 showdowns and purpose-driven fun, Swish-Out has raised more than $800,000, and this year they’re aiming to add another $30,000 at their 32nd event.

Don’t miss out! Follow the link below to learn more, register, and donate today!
🔗 https://p2p.onecause.com/swishout26

04/07/2026

We’ve teamed up with Estabrook’s Nursery for their Spring Voucher fundraiser! 🌷 💛

Now through May 1st, when you purchase a hanging basket or gift card, $5 from each purchase will be donated directly to Strike Out Cancer in Kids!

👉 When ordering, please be sure to select “Maine Children’s Cancer Program” from the Select Organization dropdown.

It’s a simple way to give back while getting something beautiful for your home or a great gift for a loved one! 🌼🎗️

Follow the link to start shopping and support SOCK!
https://www.estabrooksonline.com/fundraisers

04/02/2026

As we wait for spring to finally show its face, we’re taking a moment to look back on warmer days☀️, specifically that beautiful end-of-summer afternoon when more than 500 of you joined us for a walk around Back Cove. We’re so excited to share what we have in store for this year’s 2026 Maine Children’s Cancer Program Walk. 💛

03/25/2026

C-U Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge is back for its 32nd year! 🏀

After making a comeback last year, Maine’s longest-running 3-on-3 charity basketball tournament is ready for another incredible day on the court, and we hope you’re ready to play for Maine Children's Cancer Program!

📅 Date: Saturday, April 11th from 8am - 5pm
📍Location: USM Gorham Campus

Get your team together, lace up your favorite sneakers, and let’s make this year's Swish-Out count for kids battling cancer and blood disorders! Sign up now and be part of this legendary event.

🔗 Register today at https://p2p.onecause.com/swishout26

03/19/2026

Today is National Certified Nurse Day, and the nurses supported by Maine Children's Cancer Program know a thing or two about being certified. All of the nurses at MCCP are certified nurses, and we couldn’t be prouder of every one of them! Their dedication to furthering their education and skills in their fields is not just inspiring but directly benefits the children and families we care for every day.
Certified nurses bring advanced knowledge, specialized training, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in pediatric oncology care.

Thank you to our incredible nurses for the compassion, expertise, and heart you bring to the clinic each and every day.

03/11/2026

We’d like to thank the young NH native and dedicated supporter of Maine Children’s Cancer Program, who went above and beyond by organizing her very own neighborhood crayon drive for MCCP patients. Thanks to her hard work, our crayon supply is colorful, and our clinic is ready for all the masterpieces that will be created! 💛🖍️

Every donation—no matter the size—makes a meaningful difference. Your support can help brighten a difficult visit for a patient or contribute to the purchase of important medical equipment for our clinic team. No matter what it is, we are truly grateful for the generosity of our community and for everything you do to help us continue our mission of providing patients with the best medical treatment available, within the comfort of their home state! 🎗️

03/03/2026

Bill Dodge Auto Group , proud auto sponsor of the Maine Celtics and a dedicated Maine Children’s Cancer Program supporter, stepped up big by inviting 100 MCCP patients, families, and care team members to tip off an unforgettable night at the Maine Celtics vs. Greensboro Swarm matchup on January 23! ⛹️

From buzzer-beater excitement to courtside smiles, the evening was a slam dunk. Ashley, MCCP’s Development Coordinator, even assisted with the ultimate pre-game play—delivering the official game ball at center court. 🏀

Thank you, Bill Dodge Auto Group, for inviting us to the game! 💛 🎉

02/26/2026