BETH C. WRIGHT AND HER LEGACY
The Center’s namesake, Beth Charczynski Wright, was born and grew up on Beals Island, Maine. After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Maine at Machias, she taught public school and then joined her husband Wayne in their family business. Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 24. Following surgery and undergoing chemotherapy, Beth became determined to help others living with cancer and started a support group at the Down East Community Hospital in Machias. Shortly after the birth of their second son, Beth and Wayne learned her cancer had spread to her liver and bones. Beth faced cancer with strength and faith, and created the Choose Life Foundation at 28, shortly before her death in August 2000.
The Choose Life Foundation provided cancer patients with educational, inspirational services, alternate treatment information, and financial assistance. In May of 2001, five hundred people walked in the First Annual Beth C. Wright Walk for Life and raised $50,000 for the Choose Life Foundation.
In 2003, The Choose Life Foundation began making plans for a cancer resource center in Ellsworth. The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center grew from their vision of providing education and support for cancer patients and their families by offering free programs in a warm and welcoming environment. In January 2004, the Choose Life Foundation made a $50,000 grant to help establish the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center.
