Kimberly Burnham of Windham has a number of reasons for participating in the 8th annual Tri for a Cure on Sunday, July 26. She lost her father and several friends to cancer. Other friends are now battling the disease.
Tri
for a Cure, which raises money toward the fight for prevention and cure of
cancer in Maine, is an all-female triathlon involving a 1/3 mile swim, a 15-mile
bike ride and a 3.1 mile (5K) run at Spring Point Light in South Portland. It
is one of the biggest charitable events in the state.
Burnham
is one of the 1,331 women tri-athletes taking part. She says she had not ridden
a bicycle since the age of 12, but was moved to buy one and start biking and
running when she made the decision to
participate in “something phenomenal,” citing the sad fact that Maine has the
highest rate of cancer in New England.
Burnham
is two-thirds of a relay team. After completing the bike and foot run, she tags
off to a teammate who finishes with the swim. It’s her first year in the
competition and said with confidence, “I can do this.”
Although
a pink-themed event, Cullen McGough of the Maine Cancer Foundation, explains
that proceeds are used “to reduce incidents and mortality rates of all types of cancer in Maine.” Tri for a
Cure participants secure pledges and conduct fundraising events prior to the
triathlon. Those procuring $1,500 or more secure a spot in next year’s event,
avoiding an extensive waiting list. McGough said this year’s goal is $1.5
million. As of Tuesday (July 21) the total had exceeded $1 million.
Contributors are assured that 100 percent of their donations go toward the
prevention and cure of cancer in Maine. According to McGough, all expenses
associated with the event are covered by a number of corporate sponsors.
Although
medals are awarded in each of the various age categories, or “waves,”
triathletes are motivated by the cause itself, the camaraderie, or the prospect
of beating their own time from the previous year.
Rebecca
Tracy of Raymond told the Eagle, “My goal is to finish standing up, not in the
medical tent.”
Tracy, who also participates in a relay team, said she is
fortunate that her family has not been touched by cancer, but feels Tri for a Cure
is “doing a lot of good,” and enjoys the supportive community of runners at
cancer events, including the “run up” to the triathlon and the twilight 5K held
in June. A few years ago Tracy faced debilitating medical problems and
“struggled just to walk and get to work.” Rehabilitation and a supportive husband
led to running, then to 5Ks, and finally Tri for a Cure. “It’s been wonderful
for me and for whatever contribution I can make to cancer.”
A
major motivator for Lori Peeples of Windham is her children; approaching the
age of 40, Peeples said it was an opportunity to set an example that “you can
do anything if you set your mind to it.” In addition, her dad had cancer, but
was diagnosed early and today is in good health. “Tri for a Cure was one of the
most amazing experiences I ever had, both physically and emotionally – and I’m
passionate about the work of Maine Cancer (Foundation).”
Peeples
describes the triathlon as participation,
not competition. She says the morning
kick-off ceremony is moving. The 11 different colors of event apparel yield to
the pink triathletes – the color of the cancer survivors - among them is a
classmate of Peeples.
The
presence of poignant scenes is echoed by McGough, “the day begins with the
distant sound of foghorns. The sun burns away the haze and the wave of
participants move toward the inflatable entryway in a confetti of colors that
turns to a rainbow as the age groups move into place.”
Governed
in part by the tide, this year’s Tri for a Cure kicks off at 7:30 a.m.
Of
the over 1,300 women entered in the 2015 Tri for a Cure, 57 are from Windham and
17 are from Raymond. On Sunday they will form a community of their own.
Wonderful story!
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