Photo courtesy of EMHS

Dressed as the “Queen of Kapow” Stacey Palmer of Rockland will run in the Champion the Cure Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 18, in Brewer

ROCKLAND, Maine — Cancer is no stranger to Stacey Palmer of Rockland. The disease has afflicted more than 25 of her loved ones, including family, friends, co-workers and even pets.

Palmer will run in the 10K event at the third annual Champion the Cure Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 18. The Challenge raises money for local cancer research at Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Palmer, who has been involved with the Challenge since it began, is using a unique event to raise money for the cause. As a participant in Maine’s first stand-up paddleboard jousting tournament, she is using the event as a platform to raise funds for the Challenge. “Though it is intended to be a silly event, I wanted to do something outside of my comfort zone in honor of cancer fighters,” Palmer said. “My jousting name is Queen of Kapow! I have told my sponsors that I want to Kapow! cancer.” Palmer’s paddleboard jousting appearance as Queen of Kapow will take place Saturday, Aug. 11 as part of the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show in Rockland.

Palmer is looking forward to her third Champion the Cure Challenge and supporting the search for a cure for cancer. She encourages others to join her. “Do it and you will feel great. There is so much energy building around this event in just a few short years and it is so heartwarming and rewarding to cross that finish line,” she said.

Champion the Cure Challenge will take place Saturday, Aug. 18, at EMMC’s CancerCare of Maine on 41 Whiting Hill Road in Brewer. The event includes a 1K family walk/run, 5K or 10K walk/run, 25-, 50-, or 100-mile bike ride, and 50-mile motorcycle ride, plus music and activities for all ages. For information, call Healthcare Charities at 973-5055 or visit www.championthecurechallenge.org.