Dancing, dining and donating to add funds for MRH oncology clinic expansion
By Robbie McKay Lincoln News • September 27, 2018
MILLINOCKET – With summer behind us and fall in full swing, the drive to raise funds for the Oncology Clinic at MRH is continuing full steam ahead.
A variety of events are scheduled to take place that will hopefully help the hospital “family” achieve their goal of a new facility that will allow patients the ease and comfort of receiving their treatments locally rather than traveling to Bangor.
“There is still a need for funds, and we will continue our fundraising push until the expansion and renovation of the Oncology Clinic is completed,” said Katie Mackin, Marketing coordinator for MRH.
One facet of the drive is a course in line dancing hosted by Bobbi Allen. It is being held every Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Granite Street School gym through the side entrance. The class will follow the school schedule, so classes will not be held during school vacations, snow days, etc. There is no charge for the class; rather, participants are asked to give a donation to benefit the Oncology Clinic renovations.
“I have had many people I was related to and friends who have had cancer,” Allen said. “This oncology department is great to have in our area. It saves people time and money by receiving care locally,” she said.
The Northern Timber Cruisers are getting involved and are rolling out their first fall public supper with all of the proceeds going to the clinic drive. On Thursday, October 4, the group will present a turkey dinner starting at 4 p.m. complete with all the fixings. Suggested donations are $8.00 a plate and take out is available. There will also be a 50/50 raffle held and any and all donations extra will be gladly accepted. Mackin explained that the club is doing most of the work and shouldering the expense for the cause.
“The club is purchasing all of the food, preparing the meal and providing the majority of the man power needed,” said Mackin.
An event that is growing in popularity is the Millinocket Marathon which will be held this year on Saturday, December 8. Kim Faloon, MRH’s Oncology RN, is planning on once again holding a bake sale complete with hot chocolate and coffee in the park again this year. Last year’s event raised over $1,000 and organizers are hoping for the same if not better results this year.
“We are so grateful to the organizations and people within our community who have stepped up and used their strengths and ties within the community to help further our fundraising efforts,” said Mackin. “Jon Birt, Bobbie Allen, the crew at the Northern Timber Cruisers, the ELKS Lodge, St. Martin of Tours thrift shop, Jana Stevens.. and that’s just to name a few. These fundraising campaigns have been a labor of love driven by many generous, compassionate individuals and we have certainly come a long way because of them,” Mackin said.
Anyone who wished to make a donation may do so by visiting www.mrhme.org/giving or by sending a check to Millinocket Regional Hospital, Attention Katie Mackin, 200 Somerset Street, Millinocket, Maine 04462.
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About Millinocket Regional Hospital
Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) is a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital nestled at the base of Baxter State Park that provides vital healthcare services to those who live, work and play in the Katahdin Region. Beyond the friendly staff and award-winning patient care, MRH provides an impressive range of specialty and general services; with a recent expansion resulting in the addition of eight new specialties and a Walk-In Care facility. In 2016, MRH was recognized as the Cleanest Hospital in New England by Becker’s Hospital Review and received a five star rating on the Medicare Quality Scale. Providing jobs to approximately 250 people, MRH is the largest employer in the Katahdin Region and a crucial economic force within its community. For more information, please visit www.mrhme.org or www.facebook.com/MillinocketRegionalHospital