SACO (WGME) -- It's a big year for an annual event that has raised millions of dollars in the fight against cancer in Maine. "Mary's Walk" is celebrating 20 years this March - raising more than three million dollars for the Maine Cancer Foundation.

"We wanted to make a difference for the people of Maine," Gene Libby, "Mary's Walk" founder said.

The event was started after Libby's wife Mary Kerry Libby died of Burkett's Lymphoma in March, 1997. She used to walk a loop in downtown Saco - which is now the route of "Mary's Walk."

The walk and 5k start at Thornton Academy.

"Since day one, there has never been a year when I haven't had a waiting list of kids that want to work at "Mary's Walk," Teri Arenstam, Thornton Academy chemistry teacher said.

Students volunteer at the event, and so do people like Ken Janson. In November of 2016, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

"We always knew how important the fundraising part of it was, but now being thrust into that role, it took on a whole new meaning," Janson said.

The event draws more than 3,000 walkers and runners every years.

Organizers say they hope to raise the most money ever for the 20th anniversary of the event.

"It's kind of a happening and we're very proud of what we've accomplished," Libby said.

"Mary's Walk" is Sunday, March 18th, 2018.

Via WGME