Senator Collins Attends Holden Police Department’s Donation Presentation to Sarah’s House of Maine
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Holden, ME — U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended the Holden Police Department’s donation presentation ceremony to Sarah’s House of Maine. The ceremony was attended by Sarah’s House staff and Holden Police Department officers.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Holden Police Department held a fundraiser to raise money for Sarah’s House. Throughout the month, Holden Police Department Chief Chris Greeley wore a custom-made pink police badge, which the department sold raffle tickets for. On November 1st, the badge was raffled off and Fox News Anchor Dana Perino won. She recently talked about the police badge on “The Five,” a show she co-hosts.
“During Sarah Robinson’s courageous battle with cancer, she came to know other patients who had to travel long distances for treatment. Her determination to ease their financial and emotional burden began with buying bunk beds for her house. With the assistance from the Old Town Rotary and donors and volunteers from Holden and neighboring communities, Sarah’s dream of a bigger hospitality house became a reality. Today, nine guest rooms provide patients and their families with friendship and support at Sarah’s House,” said Senator Collins. “I commend Chief Greeley and the Holden Police Department on their outstanding support of Sarah’s House and its mission to provide a home away from home for patients and caregivers in the most difficult time anyone can face.”
"As someone who has known Senator Collins for roughly two decades, I am grateful for both her support of law enforcement AND Sarah's House,” said Chief Greeley. “While only a small financial gesture on the community's part, we are honored that Senator Collins wanted to be a part of our presentation to this wonderful residence."
Sarah’s House, named for the late Sarah Robinson, is a 9-bedroom hospitality house serving adult patients who are receiving treatment at the Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer. Patients who travel 30 miles or more for treatment are eligible to stay at Sarah’s House, with referrals arranged by Patient Advocates at Cancer Care. According to data collected through the end of 2017, Sarah’s House had saved more than 500,000 miles traveled and had served 273 people from 14 counties, providing 3,216 nights of lodging.
Sarah was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. Her husband was serving in Iraq when she was diagnosed, and he returned home to be with her as she underwent treatment. With first-hand knowledge of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges experienced by those undergoing cancer treatment, Sarah brought people together around her vision of establishing a cancer hospitality house to serve residents of eastern, central, and northern Maine. Sarah passed away at age 26 on December 4, 2011. Construction of Sarah’s House was completed in 2014, and the house opened to visitors in October of that year.
