Following her oldest daughter’s diagnosis with colon cancer, Judy Burns and her family looked for support during their daughter Dawn’s cancer journey. While the Burns family found reputable medical care, they could not find people to talk to who understood what they were experiencing and found little to no supports or help for patients and loved ones in northeast Michigan.

Before Dawn passed away in 1995, Judy had promised her daughter that no one would face cancer alone as they did. She knew her life’s mission was to be present for others going through the cancer journey. Judy made the decision to stand up and be available for those in our community dealing with cancer, starting the nonprofit cancer support organization Friends Together in 1996.

Judy remained the cornerstone of the organization, helping countless patients and families throughout northeast MI for almost three decades. After her retirement, she continued on as group facilitator for the organization until her own cancer diagnosis and passing in 2025. Her youngest daughter Melissa Burns is now at the helm as the organization’s current Executive Director and continues the work to fulfill Judy’s promise.

30 Years Later, We are Still Standing Strong for Those Impacted by Cancer…

This year, 2026, marks our 30th anniversary of providing comprehensive services and social and emotional support programming for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and loved ones…

• Support Groups

• Activities

• Transportation assistance (with our vans and volunteer drivers or through financial assistance of gas cards)

• Lodging for medical care

• Material support with things like prosthetics, specialized bras or wigs

• Care and Comfort Boutique (free items that patients may find helpful)

• Community Resource Referrals

We are here to help! Contact us at (989) 356-3231 or drop by our office located at - 105 Prentiss, Alpena, MI.