Green-Blue

Dear Tri for a Cure Community,

Last year when the pandemic first arrived in March, we thought for sure that we’d be back up and running in time for Tri for a Cure on July 19. As we all know, that turned out to be wishful thinking. And yet, with the help of our committed participants, sponsors, and donors, the event was a huge success, raising nearly $1.3 million despite being virtual. In the face of challenging circumstances, our community rose up and showed how important the mission of Maine Cancer Foundation is. We were able to continue our critical statewide funding and even added COVID-relief granting to support patients impacted by the pandemic.

In 2020 we focused on getting through an unprecedented and difficult year, looking forward to being back together in 2021. Unfortunately, we find ourselves facing continued uncertainty as we look towards the sunny summer days ahead. While we are full of optimism, we know that we are still a ways off from "normal" here in our community.

As we continue listening to the experts forecasting the months ahead, what we do know is that 2021 will not be the classic July Tri for a Cure event day that we all know and love. An event known for excited (and maybe a bit nervous?) wetsuit-clad hugs at the starting line, throngs of spectators, and a dedicated army of volunteers lining the route. An event that is about helping the woman next to you on the run and sharing a laugh in the food tent after the event. A high five from an old friend, a celebratory hug from Julie. The information we have now indicates that the vaccine could be available to the general population starting this summer. But when we can safely invite 1,200 women to gather on a college campus at one time remains uncertain. A full scale, in-person triathlon will not be possible. Instead, the Tri will again be virtual and we hope to add some in-person components leading up to July.

Safety has to be our top priority. Our mission is to help some of the most vulnerable populations and many of our participants and volunteers have health concerns of their own. We are excited to put together a Tri for a Cure event that is safe and memorable for everyone. As we work through what we can do this summer, we hope you will join us and be on our team. We have removed the $500 fundraising requirement (both for new participants and those already registered), so you can feel confident no matter what this summer brings. We hope that you will register today and join us in helping to fight cancer. We will keep you posted in the coming weeks and months as we know more about what we can do in person.

Additional communication has been sent to our participants, including those who won a guaranteed entry for fundraising in 2020. If you have questions, please reach out to Julia Bachelder by emailing [email protected] .


With gratitude and hope,

The Tri for a Cure/Maine Cancer Foundation Team

2021 Update