WELLS — Since 2010, Wells and Ogunquit Community School District girls basketball players have earned more than $100,000 for York Hospital’s Breast Cancer Living Well program with the annual Shootin’ for a Cure fundraising drive. On Saturday the girls varsity team learned how its money can help others once the free throws were over and the pink shirts set aside.
The Breast Cancer Living Well Program provides support services for those undergoing treatment for the disease, including emergency assistance, exercise programs and support groups.
On Saturday at Wells High School, female basketball players from grades five through 12 each spent an hour with teammates tossing free-throws in the gymnasium. Outside the gym, the hallway was lined with tables of silent auction and raffle items as well as commemorative T-shirts and other merchandise.
The Wells High School girls varsity team, after its hour in the gym ended, went to the auditorium to listen to a special guest.
Stephanie Duell, a 35-year-old Wells High School graduate, talked to the girls about her experience undergoing treatement for breast cancer.
“It’s going to be a long road, but it’s a really good outlook,” said Duell, who was diagnosed in November.
Duell said she’s receiving care in Boston, is thankful that she has good insurance and has been able to take time off from work for treatment.
She said she has a friend who receives care at York Hospital and is struggling financially as she doesn’t have insurance . Treatment can cost $40,000 for the uninsured, she said.
Duell praised the girls for their fundraising efforts.
“You can’t imagine the cost of treatment,” she said. “I feel terrible for people who can’t afford it.”
Coach Don Abbott said having Duell speak personalized the event and showed the impact the girls are making.
Sophomore varsity player Kaitlyn Schott said the event makes her proud of her school and her team. “It’s an awesome experience,” she said.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext.325 or egotthelf@journaltribunecom.
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