Gift from the heart

THINKING OF SCOTT — McKenna McGrath of Lovell (middle) made yarn bracelets and raised $300 for the Bridgton Hospital Outpatient Cancer Care Fund in memory of Scott Thomas. McKenna is pictured with Sue Rivet, RN, director of Outpatient Services at Bridgton Hospital (left) and Angie Thomas, Scott's widow who works in the BH Outpatient Department.

LOVELL — McKenna McGrath wanted to “do something” to remember beloved Lovell Fire Department captain, Scott Thomas, who passed away earlier this year after a courageous battle against cancer.

Captain Thomas was a colleague with McKenna’s dad on the fire department. She found using her bracelet making skills met that goal!

On Monday, Aug. 20, McKenna donated $300, the proceeds from selling her charming pink and white hand-braided cotton yarn bracelets, to the Outpatient Cancer Care Fund at Bridgton Hospital.

The daughter of Matthew and Laurie McGrath of Lovell, the soon-to-be sixth grader at Molly Ockett Middle School crafted the bracelets throughout the summer and sold them at various craft fairs, art shows, barbecues, as well as to family and friends. “I was overjoyed to have so much to donate for such a great cause. My family was supportive of me…and special thanks go to my great-grandmother, Carol Craig, for helping me along the way,” McKenna said.

She also sent her thanks and love to all who purchased her bracelets, which she sold for just 50 cents each.

The Outpatient Cancer Care Fund provides the department with funds to assist patients and their families who are dealing with the numerous financial challenges of dealing with cancer.

Mr. Thomas’s wife, Angie, works at the Bridgton Oncology Clinic. She learned of McKenna’s thoughtfulness and brought the project to the attention of the clinic director, Susan Rivet RN. Pamela Smith, director of Development at Bridgton Hospital, accepted the gift on behalf of the hospital.