Mothers, sons trek to inspire

Photo:

Dirigo High School sophomores, Ethan Cantin and Sam Rock will be joining their moms, Katie Cantin and Penny Rock, as well as friend, Sawyer Smith, on the 180-mile cycle from Newry to Belfast to benefit the American Lung Association. (Times photo by Cherri Crockett)

PERU- On June 15, when many of us will be heading to our Friday morning work places, hundreds of people will be cycling down Route 2 and 108, headed for their 180-mile destination of Belfast to complete the American Lung Association's annual fundraiser.

Katie Cantin and Penny Rock, along with their sons Ethan and Sam, will be four of those cyclists who are helping to raise funds and awareness for the ALA. Each of them are in the process of raising $500 to meet their individual goal.

As part of their fundraising efforts, the two families are participating in a food and garage sale on May 19 and 20 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., located at 141 Hall Hill in Rumford. There will be a truck full of split wood, bread, pies, maple syrup, chain saws, tools, boats, furniture, and books, including naval history and war fiction and nonfiction and more.

In 2011, the garage sale earned approximately $1200, and the group is looking to exceed that this year.

Katie is a physical therapist and has participated in the ride for the past seven years. Due to a hereditary asthma condition that affects her dad, Steve Hardy, and many other members of her family, she chooses to lead and active lifestyle and encourage others to, as well.

“Biking is a great life-long skill to have,” noted Katie. “Anyone can do it and in this case, it's a great cause and a lot of fun.”

Katie will be joined for the second year by her son Ethan, who noted, “It's a fun way to support a cause. Sam and I have been doing training rides around Webb Lake to get ready.”

Penny is a cosmetologist at All That Jazz and is currently enrolled at Central Maine Medical Center College studying nursing. Her dad, James Dragoon, suffers from Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer. She and her son, Sam will be riding in honor of him. This will be her second year riding.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to have. Sam inspired me and my brother, Mike is riding, too. I hope to get a few more family members next year.”

As for this year's ride, Ethan and Sam have recruited their friend Sawyer Smith and hope to motivate their ski team, cross-country team or soccer team to join them next year.

Riders will depart Sunday River in Newry on June 15, cycle to Farmington and spend the night at the college campus, then on Saturday, June 16, cyclists will travel to Colby College in Waterville and then on Sunday, June 17, the trekkers will commence their journey in Belfast.

For more information, to donate to the yard sale or pledge, visit http://www.lung.org/associations/charters/northeast/events/cycle/trek-across-maine.