Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is proud to once again be home for the 2025 Tri for a Cure; Maine’s only all women’s triathlon and one of the state’s most powerful fundraisers in the fight against cancer. Each summer, thousands gather on our South Portland campus to participate in or support this inspiring event — and this year, we’re especially proud to celebrate the members of our community who are taking part. 
“We’re honored to once again welcome Tri for a Cure participants to our campus,” SMCC President Kristen Miller said. “This event brings together thousands of people with a shared purpose, and it’s incredibly meaningful for SMCC to be part of something that has such a powerful impact across Maine.”
Among SMCC participants is Desirea Johnson, a Pre-Nursing and Health Science student at SMCC and the mother of three young children. Johnson is participating in honor of her mother, who has been battling stage 4 colon cancer for the past five years. “My mom was diagnosed very late, and we’ve done every chemo and surgery imaginable. Watching her fight — being her caretaker — is what inspired me to go into health care,” Johnson said. She’s currently completing her first degree at SMCC and plans to enter the Nursing program next. “I want to help people like her, and the Tri for a Cure is one way I can raise awareness and give back.”
Also representing SMCC is Sonya Theriault, an adult learner completing science prerequisites at the College in preparation for a master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology. With a background in Sports Medicine, years of experience as a personal trainer, and active involvement in Maine’s roller derby scene, Theriault brings passion and resilience to everything she does. Her motivation for participating in the Tri for a Cure hits close to home. “My mom had a stroke last year, and since then, we’ve faced multiple cancer scares. Thankfully, everything has come back benign but being in the cancer center over and over again, you realize how many families are living in that uncertainty every day,” she said. “This is my way of doing something meaningful.”
SMCC’s presence in the Tri for a Cure also includes a Marine Science team led by Emily Savage, Lab Manager of Biological Sciences, along with two recent graduates: Kara Murphy (Marine Science, Class of 2025) and Kit Williams (Marine Science, Class of 2025). All three have personal ties to the cause. “We all have family members who’ve been through cancer, so it’s an important topic for all of us,” Savage said. “Kit, Kara and I were sitting together one afternoon and realized we’d make a good team. Kit comes from a family of cyclists. Kara is a dive instructor and swim teacher, and I’m a casual runner with the Brunswick Run Club. We’re really excited about the race — and thrilled that SMCC is supporting us. Kit and Kara were my work-study students, so this feels like a perfect last hurrah together before they move on to the next chapter.”
President Kristen Miller said the College’s role in the Tri for a Cure is made even more meaningful by those within the SMCC community who are participating. “We’re especially proud to be represented by members of our SMCC family whose stories of strength, resilience and compassion reflect the very best of who we are as a college community,” Miller said.
To bring these stories to life, Johnson and Theriault will be taking over SMCC’s Instagram account in the lead-up to the event. Through videos, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments, they’ll share their personal training journeys, what inspires them to race, and how SMCC has helped shape their paths. These takeovers offer a powerful, firsthand look at the people behind the race bibs — students and staff balancing school, careers, families and personal growth, all while giving back to a cause they believe in.
Follow along on SMCC’s Instagram: @smccmaine. You can follow Desirea Johnson’s journey at @Desi1054. Find Sonya Theriault’s journey at @funinthesun14
Please show your support, cheer them on and help us spotlight the incredible members of our SMCC community participating in this year’s Tri for a Cure.
We are proud to support every SMCC participant and wish all athletes the very best on race day. Thank you for making a difference.
To learn more about the Tri for a Cure or to support the event, visit: https://triforacure.org