Go Fly a Kite to Fight Cancer Next Month

EXETER, NH - The skies above Hampton Beach will soon be filled with color and hope as Exeter Hospital’s Kites Against Cancer event returns for its eighth year from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. on Sunday, May 15, 2016, near the Oceanfront Pavilion.

A rain date is scheduled for May 22. All proceeds benefit The Beyond the Rainbow Fund at Exeter Hospital.

Founded in 2002 by Anne-Marie Viviano, a former Exeter Hospital patient and Hampton resident, The Beyond the Rainbow Fund supports patients in need at Exeter Hospital's Center for Cancer Care. Donations provide assistance with expenses such as groceries, utilities, gas, and rent/mortgage payments, as well as any other practical needs that may become unmanageable during their treatment. The fund also provides additional support by offering integrative therapy such as massage, plus wellness and fitness programs that further assist patients in their healing.

“The Beyond the Rainbow Fund has been invaluable to our patients,” said Jane Peterson, director of the Center for Cancer Care. “Alleviating some of their financial worries allows them to focus on their health and families. We are so grateful to those who continue to support the Kites Against Cancer event so we can continue to provide this important program.”

This year’s Kites Against Cancer event activities include kite flying, face painting, raffles, refreshments, music from Z107 and more. The event kicks off with Zumba® on the beach from 11 a.m. to noon. Raffle prizes have been generously donated by area businesses, including concert tickets for the hit band, 5 Seconds of Summer, donated by IHeartMedia. This year’s event also has the support of many local sponsors and contributors. Bank of New Hampshire is this year’s Platinum Level Title Sponsor.

The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, whose leading radiation and medical oncologists provide care for patients at Exeter Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care, will once again bring its Everyday Amazing Mobile program. Individuals are encouraged to stop by and share what “everyday amazing” means to them, as well as share the name of someone in their lives whom they consider to be amazing.
In addition to supporting The Beyond the Rainbow Fund, the Kites Against Cancer event is a wonderful way to honor a loved one. Attendees can purchase special kites to decorate in memory or in honor of a friend or family member who has been impacted by cancer. These kites are available for purchase at the event for $8 or two for $15.

Kites are also available at the following Seacoast locations beginning in mid-April:

• Me & Ollie's Cafes: Exeter, Greenland, Newington and Portsmouth
• Stillwell's Ice Cream: Hampton, Exeter and Amesbury, MA
• Churchill's Garden Center: Exeter
• The Farm at Eastman's Corner: Kensington
• Hannaford Supermarket: Exeter
• Exeter Hospital Gift Shop

“My family and I started coming to Kites Against Cancer in 2010 after my mom passed away from pancreatic cancer,” said Tammy Symons of Derry, now a volunteer for The Beyond the Rainbow Fund. Her mother was treated at Exeter Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care and requested that her family attend the Kites Against Cancer event in her memory.

“She loved Hampton Beach,” said Symons. “She had such a love for the beach and ocean – so being able to fly a kite in her memory at this event brings us great peace. Since we first started attending, it has become an annual celebration for us with family and friends. We look forward to it every year and are happy to give back to patients at the hospital where my mom was treated.”

Those who are unable to attend this year’s event at Hampton Beach can still show their support and honor a loved one by purchasing a virtual kite for $10. Loved one’s names will be added to Exeter Hospital’s large kite, which will be flown during the event. To purchase a virtual kite, visit unitedinwellness.org/events/kites-against-cancer/.

For additional information about Kites Against Cancer, Exeter Hospital’s The Beyond the Rainbow Fund, and other opportunities to get involved, visit unitedinwellness.org/events/kites-against-cancer/.

Info

What: Kites Against Cancer Event
When: Sunday, May 15, 2016, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Zumba® on the beach 11 a.m. to noon). Rain date of Sunday, May 22.
Where: Hampton Beach (near the Oceanfront Pavilion)
Cost: $8 per kite or two for $15
Why: Benefits The Beyond the Rainbow Fund at Exeter Hospital, which provides financial assistance and support to local cancer patients in need

Submitted by Tiffany Nelson