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WESTBROOK, Maine (WMTW) — Dr. Paige Teller knows what to expect when it comes to the Tri for a Cure. She has ten years under her belt taking part in both the relay and tackling the triathlon herself. It’s a tradition she started with two of her patients.
“We kind of used that as an annual reunion,” Teller said.
Her first year, she was swept up in the emotions of the event and decided to keep the tradition going every year. It gave her an opportunity to see her patients in a more positive setting.
“I think it’s pretty joyous to be able to be out there together, doing something together,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to have that time with them outside of here.”
Teller works at New England Cancer Specialists. She started working in the new treatment center in Westbrook when it opened in 2025.
Over the years, Teller met more patients through her work and would meet up with them during the triathlon. Eventually, she started racing the entire triathlon solo, while still taking the opportunity to see her current and former patients and their families.
Teller will be running in the Tri again this year and plans on completing it solo. “I’m feeling good. I am looking forward to it. I don’t put a lot of pressure on myself other than to go out and enjoy it,” she said.
With an office right next door to Teller, Dr. Jillian Smith has also been taking part in the Tri for a Cure, now for four years. She understands the joy of getting to see her patients out of the office.
“To see them at such a joyous and inspirational time is really meaningful,” she said.
One of Smith’s favorite parts of the race is the opening ceremonies. She says race day is filled with excitement, nerves and emotions and it’s her opportunity to catch patients before they take the first swim.
“Everyone comes together, and you’re just, you’re seeing patients that you’ve seen in the halls and you’ve seen here in the clinic,” Smith said.
Teller couldn’t agree more.
“We support patients through their cancer journey, but this weekend is an opportunity to support our people and something they’ve had a choice in doing,” Teller said. “Something that maybe puts them to the edge of their comfort zone, but it’s because they wanted to do that.”
This year, the Tri for a Cure has met its fundraising goal of $2.1 million, but Maine Cancer Foundation says any more money raised will allow them to do even more to support patients. You can donate on the race’s website.
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