August 16, 2014: 5th Annual Champion the Cure Challenge

I was raised to give back more than I receive. As a photographer, I can give back by volunteering my time and talents to worthy organizations. That’s one reason I have spent the last four years serving as one of a team of photographers that cover the Champion the Cure Challenge, held annually in Brewer, Maine.

I’ve personally experienced what it’s like to have family and friends battle this horrible disease. Anything I can do to support local cancer research, I jump at. It pays to get active and try to make a difference.

CTCC is a local organization where funds directly go to local research and treatment efforts. An enormous entity doesn’t swallow up funds raised at this event to boost its bottom line. Instead, the funds stay in this state, but the funds ultimately benefit people all over the country.

The past two years, I’ve also sat on the advisory board for the event, a seat I hold dearly. This year’s event didn’t disappoint. Over 2,300 participants raised almost $600,000. Money is still coming in through September. If you want to donate to Champion the Cure Challenge, go here.

The sense of community coupled with the energy of the day. The stories of those who battled, currently battle, and survived cancer were palpable. I’m honored to be among those working to stamp out this horrid disease and all its faces. To learn more about EMMC Cancer Care of Maine, go here.

Relive, or experience the fun for the first time, by going to the online gallery at bellimagingdesign.zenfolio.com/ctcc2014. Any purchases of images from the gallery results in a 10% donation to CTCC. If you’re social, go to the Facebook gallery here .