Info

In addition, Shawnee Peak provided 2007-08 unlimited season passes to all families with children currently undergoing treatment at the Center. In an effort to get the entire support system on snow, all Children's Cancer Program Social Workers also received a complimentary Shawnee Peak season pass. "In addition to the monetary donation, we hope we were able to provide smiles to the kids and their families who are dealing with this life-changing illness," said Chet Homer, owner of Shawnee Peak. "The ultimate goal is to get the kids, their siblings and parents on the slopes so they can enjoy each other and the outdoors." "It's truly overwhelming how wonderful and powerful the complimentary season passes were to our families," said Liz Murray, social worker for Maine Children's Cancer Program. "These are families whose entire lives may revolve around their sick children. Having family time on the snow was incredibly therapeutic and fun. They would not have had this opportunity had it not been for the ‘Kids Skiing for Kids' Program with Shawnee Peak." "My daughter and I had a wonderful time learning to ski at Shawnee Peak," said Thomas Diebold of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. "It was a bit of an eye-opener for me to watch her shooting down the slopes. The experience was good for the both of us: Good for her confidence (and the thrill factor for her, of course), and a reminder to me to stop being such an over-protective parent." In addition, MCCP sponsored three events at Shawnee Peak, meant to support the patients' families. Two events focused on siblings of MCCP patients: Shawnee Peak provided a private meeting room on February 24th and March 2nd, complimentary skiing and reduced-rate rental equipment. March 16th was "Mommy's Day Off" at Shawnee Peak. Mothers of patients for invited for a ski day at Shawnee Peak, topped off with entertainment (provided by Maine Children's Cancer) by Karen Morgan, deemed "Maine's Funniest Mom." In all, Shawnee Peak provided $15,000 in cash and more than $50,000 in goods and services to the social workers, doctors, patients and families. "We are thrilled to continue this incredible relationship," said Sue Doliner, Associate Vice President for Development at Maine Medical Center. "Chet Homer is a generous and responsible corporate partner. Our goal next year is to get at least half of our families involved in the ski program." More information on the Maine Children's Cancer Center is available at www.mmc.org.