PHILLIPS – More than 160 walkers participated in the Phillips Old Home Days Memory Walk organized by the family of Marjorie Toothaker who lost her battle with cancer in 2009. As a tribute to their mother who always wanted her daughters to stay close and do things together, the girls formed a scholarship committee and raised money by doing crafts together and selling them at local fairs. It has grown from there.
They started the three-mile Memory Walk during Phillips Old Home Days in an effort for residents to support, remember and celebrate others who were diagnosed with cancer. Proceeds from the walk go to support those who have been affected by the disease.
“Cancer is not an individual’s diagnosis. It is a disease that affects the whole village,” said Yolanda Smith, Margie Toothaker’s daughter. “It impacts family, friends and the surrounding community. Therefore the only way to tackle this disease is as a whole group. Together we fight.”
This year, the Toothaker Family chose two very brave little boys to support, Trent Flanders and Drayk Hendershot, sons of Phillips natives, Anne Coffren Flanders and Kim Borden Hendershot. Both four-year-olds were diagnosed in the first week of March, only two days apart. Trent Flanders has a brain tumor located on the top of his brain stem. It is incredibly rare.
“Trent has had six different surgeries,” Anne Coffren Flanders told organizers of the walk. “He has had to relearn all his abilities, including how to walk again for the third time.”
On Sept. 23, Flanders will be tested again to see what is left of the tumor after the surgeries. This test will determine the next course of treatment. Anne Flanders and her husband, Scott Flanders are very hopeful.
Drayk Hendershot, son of Damon and Kim Borden Hendershot suffers from Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. The cancer originated in the ribs and grew to impair his ability to breathe and pushed his heart to one side of his chest. Because tumor is attached to the ribs the possibility of surgery is not an option at this time.
“Drayk has a full time job,” Smith noted. “He goes to the hospital Monday through Friday for chemotherapy and if he is well enough, he can come home on the weekend. Drayk reminds us that sometimes real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.”
Both parents say they have been grateful for the support of the community.
“It is so overwhelming.” said Kim Borden, “We cannot thank everyone enough.”
This year the Toothaker family remembered, Francis “Skip Ross” who had put up a courageous fight and lost his battle on August 22, 2015. His family was presented with a lilac bush that was from Margie Toothaker’s garden in memory of Ross.
The event was also a celebration for 15-year-old Taylor Lane who just celebrated one year of being cancer free. The family presented her with a necklace which says “She believed she could, so she did!” They were not only there to celebrate Taylor’s joyous moment but to wish her continued health in the future.
A balloon release was held in memory of those we have lost. “Cancer affects so many lives.” Scott Ladd, master of ceremonies said, “These balloons and their messages help us remember all lives lost and lives touched by this disease.”
After the ceremony, walkers and a few runners made the three-mile route in the summer heat and returned to claim prizes donated by local businesses.
Donations for Drayk Hendershot’s Cancer Fund can be made at any Skowhegan Savings Bank location or sent to Team Drayk, PO Box 32, Phillips, ME 04966. Donations for Trent Flanders’ Cancer Fund can be sent to Franklin Savings Bank in Farmington.
-Submitted by Sharon Dudley
So proud of the whole Toothaker family for their dedication to this cause . Keep up the good works ! Please everyone remember to pray for those affected with this horrible thing called Cancer.
We want to thank the Toothaker family again for including us in this special event! We appreciate you and the communities support so much . We’re looking forward to next years walk ! Paying it forward is the the best part :)
The Toothaker family have done an outstanding job of raising money and awareness for cancer. Margie would be so very proud of them all and I know she is looking down and smiling on them all.
If you haven’t been to their craft shop in Avon/Phillips, you should when they are open. They make beautiful crafts at very reasonable prices and all money goes for scholarships and cancer awareness. I for one am very proud to know These girls!!!!!