Widow of Bar Harbor native to walk for cancer

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Hearing from a dear, old friend I haven’t been in contact with recently always fills me with joy, but this particular communication filled me with pride as well.

I’ve known Sandi Wasgatt of Ventura, Calif., for more than 30 years.

She is the widow of Bar Harbor native and University of Maine graduate Boyd “Bud” Wasgatt, who was 51 when he died in 1991 following a 10-year battle with cancer.

In a mailing to friends, Sandi informs us she will be participating in the Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day walk Oct. 18-20 in Los Angeles.

Sandi will be one of 3,000 people walking sixty miles in three days from Santa Barbara to Malibu.

“In order to participate,” she wrote, I’ve agreed to raise $1,900,” which she must do by Friday, Sept. 20.

Proceeds from this event, which has several sites across the country, support nonprofit breast health programs in the United States, and provide funds for cancer research.

Last year’s event raised more than $6.6 million, Sandi added.

Sandi is participating, she explained, because of “a strong need to do something tangible [and physical] to fight back against cancer,” which not only took her husband’s life but is now affecting her mother, Edna James, who is on her third round of chemotherapy following radiation and surgery.

“She is the bravest woman I know, “Sandi wrote, “and she still manages to work, travel, play golf and look beautiful!

“She will not give up … and neither will I.

“That is why I need to walk this 60-mile event: for my Mom and for all those like my Mom … Together, we can prevent cancer from striking other husbands and mothers.”

People who knew and loved Bud and, believe me, there are many, and those who know Sandi and their families, are sure to want to help Sandi raise the entry fee by the deadline.

You can do that online.

Sandi suggested going to www.bethepeople.com, but I found it easier to go to my search engine, type in Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day, and click on the following: 2002 Events; then Los Angeles; then Make a Donation.

In the box that comes up, type Sandra for first name, Wasgatt for last name, and 9554 for the number.

You can also make a donation or receive information by calling (800) 825-1000.

On behalf of my friends Sandi and Bud, and all of us who have lost a loved one to cancer, thank you.

Monday morning I received word that a few spaces remain, so the deadline has been extended for anyone wishing to join Wellesley in Eastern Maine Alumnae and Friends “Haunt the Hallowed Halls of Salem, Massachusetts” coach trip, which leaves at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, from Bangor.

The all-inclusive cost of the excursion is $109 per person, and reservations can be made by calling Nancy Ziegenbein, 947-7965.

Carolyn Millar and members of the Zonta Club of Bangor cordially invite you to attend Zonta of Bangor’s 12th annual Champagne Brunch and Fashion Show at noon Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Patrick’s Hallmark in the Broadway Shopping Center or at D’Lor Beauty Salon in Maliseet Gardens in Bangor.

The event features clothing and accessories from shops of local merchants.

A worldwide service organization of executives and professionals working to advance the status of women, Zonta has 35,000 members in more than 1,200 clubs in 68 countries.

Among the local organizations to which Zonta of Bangor contributes are Spruce Run Association, Bangor City Nursing Facility, Camp Capella, Dirigo Girls State, Good Samaritan Agency, Abnaki Girl Scout Council, Maine Discovery Museum, Bangor YMCA, Camp Jordan and the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. Zonta also offers scholarships and supports literacy efforts in the area.

For more information about this event, or about Zonta, call 843-7615.

The West Eden Highlanders Pipes and Drums will present a benefit concert for Pine Tree Hospice at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the Guilford United Methodist Church.

Theresa Boettner of PTH reports admission is by donation, and refreshments will be available following the performance.

An all-volunteer band with a mission of promoting and preserving Scottish performing arts and serving the community, the band performs weekly during the summer at West Eden Common in Town Hill, as well as at the Maine and New Hampshire Highland Games.

The band will host a Scottish Performing Arts Workshop & Concert on Saturday, Oct. 12, in Bar Harbor.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.