‘I’m Cancer-Free': The Moment That Reminded Us Why Maine’s Cans for a Cure Matters
Ten minutes. That’s how long Gerald had been cancer-free when he walked into our Cans for a Cure tent.
Chris and I were getting ready for our first day, about to jump into the Can Van and collect cans from businesses across the state, when a man walked into the tent and everyone started clapping.
He Beat Cancer. Then He Found Us at Cans for a Cure
We climbed out of the truck, and walked over to him.
Gerald: “You’re Lizzy!”
Me: “Yes, I am.”
Gerald: “I just found out ten minutes ago that I’m cancer-free.”
And just like that, we were standing there with a stranger, tears streaming down his face, listening to a story that reminded us exactly why we were doing what we were doing.
Gerald had spent years fighting a brutal form of throat cancer. That morning, his doctor had put a camera down his throat to check on the tumor. It was gone.
He got into his car afterward, heard us broadcasting from our annual Cans for a Cure tent just down the road, and felt this pull to come tell us. I still get chills thinking about it.
But one of the most beautiful parts of his story? His son.
Gerald told us how proud he was that his son had worked so hard to pass his driver's test and get his license. Gerald couldn't drive because of his cancer, and his son pushed through the challenges to help his dad. There was a father watching his son grow into a man, showing up for him when he needed him most.
And somehow, we got to witness that moment.
Stories like Gerald's are why we do this.
Together, we raised $60,932.60 for the Maine Cancer Foundation during our 24th annual Cans for a Cure.
That's more than money. It's hope, research, support, and more tomorrows for families like Gerald's.
Gerald, we're so damn happy you're here.
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Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder
