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 Alpena, Michigan
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"Little did I know thirteen years ago, that Friends Together would become such an important part of my daily life. It has touched me and so many people - my family, those who are part of our caring board and community, as well as those touched by cancer as they travel their road to wellness." "I have my daughter, Dawn, to thank...for without her journey and the promise she asked me to make, the programs of wellness and support may not have materialized. I have never lost hope...I look for the joy this experience brings. Some dreams really do come true."
"I currently work at the Alpena Cancer Center as an RN. I have personally been touched by cancer and also many close relatives. It is very important to have support during and after treatments. Friends Together has many groups and classes that help you through your cancer treatment."
Betty Smigelski
"In early 2004 I lost my best friend, my husband to colon cancer. At my age you don’t expect to be a widow. We thought we would grow old together." "Once cancer has touched your life, it is a part of you, as all major experiences are; now I can’t walk past a donation canister without donating. Anytime there is a fundraiser flyer for a cancer patient, I stop to read the information and if possible I will be there." "I have a real heart for the caregivers of cancer patients, as that is what my role was. I understand the effect it had on me, and if I can nurture and support someone else to make their experience even a fraction easier, that is my goal." "When someone gets cancer, it affects everyone who loves that person, not just the patient and their immediate family but also extended family, friends and coworkers. And for me whenever I hear someone has cancer, immediately, my heart and prayers go out to them. It is part of my identity, even though I did not have cancer myself physically; I did have it emotionally, as I traveled that journey with my husband." "A friend of mine suggested meeting Judy Burns and sharing my story with her, which I did. Now here I am on the board of Friends Together. If we work together we can make a difference in the lives of others. It is my honor and privilege to be working with so many dedicated, caring people."
Diane Cantle
Leann Schultz It seems that no matter who you talk to cancer has touched their life in some way. I am currently the Director of Marketing at Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union. Working and being involved in the community I have had several co-workers, friends and credit union members who have had to face cancer in some way. In July of 2002, my husband and I were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our second child. My mother-in-law, Midge Schultz, a breast cancer survivor, was suddenly diagnosed with cancer. She was also informed that this time it was terminal and given five short months to live. This news came as a huge shock to our entire family. On July 31st, Hannah Rose (named after Grandma Margaret “Midge” Rose) was born. Hannah was a great joy to Grandma for the short time she had with her. Midge’s greatest concern was for her family. She worried about how her husband, children and grandchildren would handle the news. She didn’t want to see any of them hurting or sad. Midge was a wonderful person and the best mother-in-law that I could ever have had. We spent many hours just talking about her life and the worries she had for her family. At that time my son Nicholas was two and my daughter Hannah was just a few weeks old. Midge made me promise to her that my children would always know her and the love she had for them. I have kept the promise that I made to my Mother-in-law. My children and I often look at the many pictures we have of Grandma Midge. We also spend much time talking about things Grandma liked to do. I do think that a part of Midge lives on in Hannah. She has her kind caring eyes, she takes great care of Grandpa Bernie and she has a passion for shopping - just like Grandma! When Judy contacted me about being on the Friends Together Board I thought what better way could I honor Midge. I want to be able to help other families in our community. Friends Together has so many wonderful programs for people faced with cancer. This is my way to let Midge know that even though she is not here with me, she is always in my thoughts.
"In my personal life cancer has touched my family many times. It was very difficult to have to travel out of town for treatments since we did not have the local resources available to us then. These experiences have made it very important to me to reach out to others coping with cancer to make their journey somewhat easier. Friends Together offers our local people a wonderful source of support, information and activities in a caring and compassionate way. I am proud to be a member of this board".
My life was touched by cancer from my very first remembrances as my grandmother died prior to my birth at the age of 50 yrs. My mother was only 21 yrs. old at the time of her death. As my mother was an only child, my grandmother's death left her alone in life. To this day, my mother misses her. I also lost a close friend several years ago to cancer, and presently have two friends undergoing cancer treatment as well as all the wonderful people I have met with the Friends Together Groups whose lives have been touched by cancer. I have been working with Friends Together because it is a terrific grass roots organization dedicated to truly helping and supporting individuals and families touched by cancer. Friends Together offers help where there are "gaps" in services to meet needs, offering support to feed the heart and soul. It is a group of very caring individuals attempting to meet the needs of citizens of the community.
"I have been associated with Friends Together since its inception. It has been a good fit, both personally and professionally. I have had many family members affected by cancer and work daily with persons needing support to deal with a cancer diagnosis. This group provides an outlet for my energies and desire to help others find information about cancer and treatment."
I don't know anyone who has not been touched in some way by cancer. In my case, it was my father who battled three different types of cancer over the course of just a couple of years. It was an exhausting journey physically, mentally, and emotionally for him and those of us who loved him. I became a part of Friends Together to help myself deal with his death by joining others who had faced or were facing the same thing. It has been very rewarding to have been a part of this group as we have evolved over the years into becoming the support system that we feel this community needs us to be.
In my role as Volunteer Coordinator w/ Hospice of the Sunrise Shore I have met many people who have or who are currently dealing w/ cancer. Last summer I volunteered at Camp Quality, a camp for kids dealing w/ cancer. One thing I have seen is that a good life is made up of memorable moments. We each have the opportunity to make a memorable moment for ourself or for others. I have been given many great moments to remember and hope I can give back to others along the way. We are fortunate to have such a resource in our community. I hope I can be of help to the Friends Together Board and those served by Friends Together.
"I basically joined Friends Together because of its founder Judy Burns. My mother, Adeline Budnik, had been diagnosed with breast cancer back in 1993. For two years she battled this horrid illness, but ended up passing away in October 1995, just 10 days before I was to marry my wife to be, Brenda." "I remember Judy coming into the funeral home one evening and the first thing that came to my mind was, “Why is my insurance agent here?” Well that night Judy told me about her daughter Dawn and her battle, and that she just wanted to be there to support Brenda and I. I was greatly moved by Judy’s kindness and 6 months later I joined Friends Together." "I also lost a very special niece to cancer in 2001. Her name was Madison Noffze and she had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She was a combination of a firecracker (born of the 4th of July) and a complete angel. She fought her cancer for eight months and lost her battle at the young age of five." "I truly miss my mother and Madison. However, I do know that I’m a stronger person because of these two great individuals that I had in my life." "I take great pride in being a board member of Friends Together. As a group, we have created so many wonderful opportunities for cancer patients and their families. Gas cards, college scholarships, seminars, sponsorships to Camp Quality, medical planners, and the list just keeps going. I am also very honored to be involved in two awesome sub-committees. “Scrambling for Friends” golf tournament and “Friday Night with Friends” comedy night. These two events are very well known in the community and provide the bulk of Friends Together financial backbone." |
Betsy Gonyea
DeLynn
(Smith) Carr
Judy Wienczewski,
Vanessa
Mills
Marcia Connolly
Brian
Budnik