By Rebecca Kilduff
AUGUSTA — Master Brent J. Crisci and the United Martial Arts Academies teamed up with the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition to help “kick breast cancer out of Maine.”
Together they raised more than $2,500 at this year’s event.
All of the United MA Academies Maine locations, as well as its New Hampshire Dojos, sold pink karate belts for $25 each with all of the proceeds going to the cause. Head sensei kyoshi Brent J Crisci, of Augusta; shihan Ryan Chamberland, of Winthrop, master Norman Carrier, of Farmington, N.H.; snsei Cole Tuininga, of Rochester, N.H., as well as students collected pledges to wear the belts during all their martial arts activities for the month.
Proceeds raised by the United Martial Arts Academies sojos were donated to the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition’s Support Service Fund, which provides financial assistance for uninsured and underinsured Maine residents with breast cancer or breast health needs. The Support Service Fund covers a wide range of items and services including breast imaging (mammography or ultrasound), hospital bills, physician bills, copays, bras and prostheses, prescriptions, lymphedema compression garments, transportation costs, and temporary emergency living expenses for people in breast cancer treatment.
All of the proceeds go to fund recipients, and the Support Service Fund’s low administrative costs are covered by their Maine Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure grant. Many non-martial artists, including parents and other family members have also bought a pink belt to help raise money.
UMAA locations in Augusta and Winthrop have information or accept donations. For more informaction, contact Crisci at 207-621-0770 or KICKSUSA@aol.com, stop in at 141 Riverside Drive, Augusta,or visit www.mainebreastcancer.org.
