Courtesy Photo Lost Lake Woods Association of Lincoln recently hosted their annual golf fundraiser, Rally for A Cure, raising $14,500 for the Breast Health Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. Pictured from left to right are: Sue Hunter, event organizer, Lost Lake Woods Club; Kim Fleming, event organizer, Lost Lake Woods Club; Hunter Nostrant, president, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena; Amy Dacey, manager, Alpena Cancer Center; Linda Perry, event organizer, Lost Lake Woods Club; Paulette Kallstom, event chair, Lost Lake Woods Club; Ann Diamond, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation; Steve Hand, manger, imaging services; and Matt Ritthaler, R.N., manager, Alpena Cancer Center.

ALPENA, Mich. – Lost Lake Woods Association of Lincoln recently hosted their annual golf fundraiser, Rally for A Cure, raising $14,500 for the Breast Health Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. The Rally took place at the Lost Lake Woods Golf Course and included raffles, mulligans and a shotgun start with attendees enjoying 18 holes of golf and a delicious lunch. This year’s event was made possible thanks to the hard work of Paulette Kallstrom, chair, and organizers Kim Fleming, Sue Hunter and Linda Perry.

Kallstrom, a breast cancer survivor, commented, “When I stepped in to head up the Rally, I was excited to be able to partner with MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena and the Alpena Cancer Center. By working with them, we knew all the funds raised would help local breast cancer patients and their families. The longstanding partnership we have built is very meaningful, and it’s wonderful to see the difference we’ve made over the years.”

Since 2018, the Rally has raised a total of $56,000 for the Medical Center’s Breast Health fund. The funds support local breast health patients in need with free mammograms, prescription assistance, ultrasounds and biopsy procedures, as well as lodging and gas cards for women who need to travel for treatment. Last year, a portion of the funds were directed toward the purchase of an ultrasound machine for the newly renovated Breast Health Suite at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

Steve Hand, manager of imaging services, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena said, “I’m very grateful for the hard work, dedication and support we’ve received from Lost Lake Woods and the Rally for A Cure event over the years. Their generosity has made a significant impact on our patients, and I’d like to share how their last gift in particular made a difference.”

Hand continued, “When we renovated the Breast Health Suite, adding a dedicated ultrasound machine was a top priority. Part of last year’s Rally’s donation went towards this important piece of equipment. And we’ve had patients comment that specifically having the ultrasound in the same space as mammography makes them feel more comfortable. Previously, our patients would have to go to a different department for an ultrasound, which wasn’t ideal. This is a direct improvement for taking care of our patients.”

This year’s Rally for A Cure was the largest yet, with 31 teams participating and 52 raffle items available.

“Paulette, Sue, Kim and Linda have truly outdone themselves this year! The Rally has grown once again and we are so grateful that this group continues to take on the challenge of bringing all of these hole sponsors and teams together for a beautiful day of golf and charity,” said Ann Diamond, development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. “I am so grateful they continue to choose to donate the funds they’ve raised to the Breast Health program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. Their contributions have played an important role in supporting this program. Paulette and her Committee’s hard work has truly paid off and we appreciate each and every one of their supporters who made this Rally such a success. Thank you!”

Those interested in more information on the Breast Health Fund, financial support for a screening mammogram or other assistance, may contact Cirrae Heise, breast program coordinator, at 989-356-8015 or Diamond at 989-356-7738.