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LEBANON, N.H. (AP) — More than 5,000 participants raised more than $3.1 million for cancer care and support in The Prouty — an annual fundraiser for the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock medical center.
Participants on Saturday biked, ran and walked roads in New Hampshire and Vermont and rowed on the Connecticut River to raise money for the Lebanon, New Hampshire-based cancer center. Others golfed at the Hanover Country Club.
Some distance bicyclists started Friday; most of the events took place Saturday.
The fundraiser is named after Audrey Prouty, who lost her nine-year battle with ovarian cancer in 1982. Four of her nurses were so inspired by her courage, they committed to cycling 100 miles through the White Mountains to raise money and awareness for cancer research. That first ride raised $4,000.
More than 1,300 workers volunteered at this weekend's event.
"The Prouty makes the fight against cancer a community effort," said Dr. Mark Israel, director of NCCC. "It's an effort that makes a real difference in our work every day. Researchers use Prouty funds to develop their ideas and attract large grants. More than $1.2 million dollars in seed grant money supplied by The Prouty over a five-year period has generated $20 million in external support for our cancer research."
Jean Brown — event coordinator and executive director of the Friends of Norris Cotton Cancer Center — said the planning has already begun for next year's fundraiser.
"Every year, we end this day inspired by the dedication of the Prouty community," she said. (We're) "ready to honor their dedication by making progress against cancer and making this event even better next year."
The 2016 Prouty is slated for July 9.
Norris Cotton Cancer Center combines advanced cancer research with patient-centered cancer care provided at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon and at Dartmouth-Hitchcock regional locations in Manchester, Nashua, and Keene, NH, and St. Johnsbury, Vermont. It also partners with 12 hospitals throughout New Hampshire and Vermont.
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