Susan’s Wish Fund receives donation from Camper’s Cove

ALPENA -- For the past few years, Mark and Judy Hall, owners of Campers Cove RV Park and Canoe Livery, have saved their campers' leftover, returnable cans throughout the season and donated them to a local nonprofit. This year, the Halls decided to support the Susan's Wish Fund at MyMichigan Health Foundation in Alpena. By making a generous personal gift in addition to the recycling proceeds, the Halls donated a total of $1,000 to the Susan's Wish Fund.

Named for Susan Yachcik, the Susan's Wish Fund benefits cancer patients and their families by assisting with travel, lodging, nutritional supplements, personal care items and prescription expenses related to cancer treatment.

"Susan's Wish plays a crucial role in helping local cancer patients," said Jennifer Schuch, social worker at the Alpena Cancer Center. "This fund is special because it can only be used for cancer patient care. It can be difficult for patients to ask for help, even in the most desperate of times. Often, when a cancer patient or family member comes to us with a need that other funding can't or won't cover, Susan's Wish can help. We want people to know that this is available to our community because of the generosity of Susan and her family."

The Halls shared, "We knew Susan and we remember her as such a vibrant and generous person. We both have family members who have been touched by cancer. This fund has a personal connection for us, and we are so happy to be able to support Susan's Wish."

Yachcik's mother, Penny Barton, was instrumental in the creation of the fund and continues to support its work. Barton and her son, Jon, picked up and recycled more than 7,000 cans Campers Cove had saved over the past summer, assisting greatly in the donation.

"Throughout her life, Susan embodied the spirit of generosity," said Barton. "Even after being diagnosed with cancer, she continued to support those around her, especially her fellow cancer patients. After she passed, we (Susan's family) created the Susan's Wish Fund as a way of continuing her work and honoring her spirit."

Ann Diamond, development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, accepted the proceeds on behalf of MyMichigan Health Foundation and thanked the Hall family and Barton.

"We are so very appreciative of Mark and Judy's generosity and all of those who support Susan's Wish," said Diamond. "In addition, Penny's hard work honoring her daughter is an inspiration to all. We all know someone that has been touched by cancer, and it is extremely heartwarming to see the community continue to support local cancer patients through this fund."

Those interested in more information on the Susan's Wish Fund and MyMichigan Health Foundation may contact Diamond at 989-356-7738 or ann.diamond@mymichigan.org.