Courtesy Photo From left to right are Valerie Avery, senior assistant, Alpena Cancer Center; Amy Dacey, manager, Alpena Cancer Center; Pastor John Shipman, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church; Ann Diamond, fund development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation; Dennis Dziesinski, congregant, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church; Matt Ritthaler, R.N, manager, Infusion Services, and Tim Moggie, congregant, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.

ALPENA — MyMichigan Health Foundation recently received a $400 donation from St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of Alpena. The funds were directed to the Susan’s Wish Fund at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. The money was raised from the free-will offering during the church’s Annual Pasta Dinner, an event that supports local, nonprofit organizations. This year, the dinner brought together more than 100 people for food and fellowship.

“We are so thankful to everyone at St. Paul for this donation,” said Ann Diamond, development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. “Pastor John and his congregation are incredibly giving, and we appreciate their ongoing support. We admire their generosity of spirit and are grateful for all that they do for the Alpena Cancer Center and our community.”

The Susan’s Wish Fund is a fund to assist cancer patients. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to local cancer patients and their families, in part to the fund’s founder, Penny Barton. The fund is named in memory of Barton’s daughter, Susan Yachcik, who passed in 2012 from ovarian cancer. Due to her family’s personal experience with cancer, Barton had a vision in mind for the fund.

“Susan’s Wish is a very special fund, as it was created specifically to fill the gaps in financial assistance available to those who need additional support during cancer treatment,” said Diamond. “When a cancer patient or family member comes to our social worker with a need that other forms of financial aid do not cover, Susan’s Wish can assist.”

Cancer is considered one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat, with patients often receiving multiple types of treatments. Newer therapies, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, have improved many patients’ chances of recovery, but the cost for these innovative treatments can be high, even with insurance. Patient assistance provided by Susan’s Wish often includes help paying for patient travel, lodging, nutritional supplements, personal care items and prescription expenses related to cancer treatment.

Pastor Shipman, Dennis Dziesinski and Tim Moggie offered the financial gift, along with snacks from the congregation for the cancer patients who are receiving treatment.

“We are grateful for our partnership with St. Paul Church. Their financial gifts, treats for our patients and continued thoughts and prayers assist our patients, families and staff on a daily basis. We are so very thankful for Pastor Shipman and the members and friends of St. Paul Church,” concluded Diamond.

Those interested in more information about donations to Susan’s Wish or supporting cancer care at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena may contact Diamond at ann.diamond@mymichigan.org or 989-356-7738.