Fort Kent ~Support for events such as the Tour de la Vallee are usually considered events primarily supported by adults. Not so for this year’s signature event held to raise money for the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund; the event was a shining example of youth involvement.
Each year, the Cancer Fund offers a prize for attaining various levels of pledges raised. One such prize is awarded for the most money raised by a child who participates in the Tour. Sam Roy, age thirteen, raised $300 in pledges this year. Roy’s grandfather, a brother to the founder of the Cancer Fund, is who inspired the youngster to participate.
Roy was recognized for his efforts to raise pledges which will be used to support the families of local people dealing with cancer diagnosis and treatment. He has participated in the event for the past three years, and other family members have been involved for six years. He registered as a Quarter Century biker the first two years, and this year, he chose to run in the event. He admitted that he prefers biking and will consider returning to that option in the future.
Since the inception of the Cancer Fund in 1978, over 1,400 families in the St. John Valley have been assisted with pledges from volunteers. The total amount of support to local families since 1978 is over one million dollars, a major portion of which comes from the proceeds of the Tour de la Vallee. To learn more about the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund or to make a donation go to www.paradiscancerfund.org.
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