Courtesy Photo Gathered outside the new nursing lab at Alpena Community College are, from left to right, Kristina Blair, president, Alpena Community College Student Nurses Association; Shannon Albrecht, vice president, Alpena Community College Student Nurses Association; Ann Diamond, fund development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation; and Angela Murphy, community chair, Alpena Community College Student Nurses Association.

ALPENA — Area residents needing cancer care are benefitting from the efforts of the Alpena Community College Student Nurses Association. Proceeds from fundraising events held during the annual Hoops for Hope basketball games were recently presented to Ann Diamond, fund development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation.

During this season’s Hoops for Hope games, the SNA hosted a bake sale, a 50/50 drawing and a half-time shooting contest. Proceeds from these events totaled more than $500 and were donated to MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena to be used for patients needing cancer care.

According to Shannon Albrecht, vice president of the Alpena Community College Student Nurses Association, “We didn’t have a lot of notice that the Hoops for Hope games were even happening this year, but we pulled together and were able to generate a good size donation to the Alpena Cancer Center.”

The annual games were canceled the last couple years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are honored that the Alpena Community College student nurses would once again direct their efforts in support of patients receiving treatment at the Cancer Center,” said Diamond. “Their career choice positively impacts our community and their compassion for the health and well-being of others is remarkable. We certainly hope these talented individuals will join our team upon graduation.”

MyMichigan Health Foundation holds three funds specifically for cancer patients and their needs. The Cancer Fund assists with the purchase of equipment and enhanced patient services at the Alpena Cancer Center. The Breast Health Fund supports breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnostic testing, educational services, equipment and patient care items. The Susan’s Wish Fund, which was founded by Penny Barton, whose daughter Susan passed away from cancer in 2008, assists patients and families with travel, lodging and prescription expenses related to their cancer treatment.

For more information about these funds or to support cancer care and treatment, call Diamond at 989-356-7738 or ann.diamond@mymichigan.com.