Courtesy Photo Pictured in front row, from left to right are Chuck Sherwin, president of MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena; Ann Diamond, director of MidMichigan Health Foundation; Elizabeth Morris of Imaging Services; Amy Dacey, manager of medical oncology physician practice; Carl Pilarski (honorary chair); Ashley Worth (Lafarge), and Nicole Heberling (Lafarge). In the back row from left to right are Vicky McCoy (Lafarge); Michele Martell (Lafarge); Allan Idalski, Lafarge plant manager; Tim Cordes (Lafarge), and Steve Hand, manager of Imaging Services.

ALPENA — Area residents receiving treatment for cancer will experience a truly comforting environment and have access to enhanced treatment technology thanks in large part to Lafarge Presque Isle’s fundraising efforts.

Lafarge recently presented MidMichigan Health Foundation with the proceeds from its sixth annual Quarry Run held in August. This event is a truly unique 5K held in the quarry that brings runners from across the state and beyond. In six years, the team at Presque Isle has raised an incredible $220,000 to help support significant renovations to the treatment areas and provide top-notch equipment in the Alpena Cancer Center.

Allan Idalski, plant manager at Lafarge Presque Isle, brought his team to meet with Ann Diamond, development director of MidMichigan Health Foundation, Chuck Sherwin, president of MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena, and the staff at the Medical Center’s Cancer Center to present the funds.

“It’s always a great time to see runners from around the state take on this unique challenge and come together in their genuine desire to support patients who utilize the services at the Cancer Center,” said Diamond. “Their continued support has been amazing.”

This year the race was held in honor of Carl Pilarski who is battling cancer of the appendix. Pilarski, who worked a variety of jobs at the quarry over a span of 39 years, traveled to Ann Arbor for a second opinion when diagnosed two years ago.

“They told me they’d be doing the same thing to treat me there as they were doing at home, and traveling is hard on a person,” Pilarski said. “I am always impressed with the staff here. The care is unbelievable.”

“What impresses me is the continued passion and dedication of this group,” said Sherwin. “They have supported our organization and the patients and families of northeast Michigan for years with genuine care and enthusiasm,” said Sherwin.

Funds raised by LaFarge Presque Isle have gong to support upgrades to patient care areas and state-of-the-art equipment including a new linear accelerator and 3D mammography imaging. As noted at the presentation of funds by Steve Hand, manager of Imaging Services: “This is more than just a race. This is a big deal.”

Those interested in more information about donations to support cancer care at the Medical Center may contact Ann Diamond of the MidMichigan Health Foundation at ann.diamond@midmichigan.org or 989-356-7738.

The MidMichigan Health Foundation supports patients and families by raising funds for equipment, services and programs. MidMichigan Health is a nonprofit health system headquartered in Midland, Michigan, affiliated with Michigan Medicine, the health care division of the University of Michigan. MidMichigan Health covers a 23-county region with medical centers in Midland, Alpena, Alma, Clare, Gladwin, Mt. Pleasant and West Branch.