BREWER – The third annual Tractor-A-Thon to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems is going the extra mile to help sick and injured children who live in central, eastern and northern Maine.

The event has gained increasing popularity over the past few years with its journey from Presque Isle to Brewer. This year, two tractors will participate in the event. The increase in the number of tractors will help bring the Tractor-A-Thon to Waterville, a 225-mile trip.

Brewer Wal-Mart associate Carol Lackedy and her partner Shawn Cowan will hit the road early in the morning for their third annual lawn tractor ride on Monday, Oct. 11. The Tractor-A-Thon will last five days starting at The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle and ending at Inland Hospital in Waterville on Friday, Oct. 15.

During the past two years, the event has raised $18,000. This year Lackedy hopes to raise an additional $10,000.

Lackedy, a longtime champion of the Children’s Miracle Network, created the Tractor-A-Thon as a creative and different way to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network.

Lackedy knows first hand what Children’s Miracle Network is all about. Shortly after she appeared on the 2002 Children’s Miracle Network telethon, her daughter was born prematurely and required the services of Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Rosen Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“I’ve always believed in CMN, but after I saw the miracles that happen literally every day in the NICU, I wanted to do something extra special to keep those miracles happening,” Lackedy said.

To help sponsor the event or to make a gift to Children’s Miracle Network, call Carol Lackedy at 989-5068.