Friends Together, a Northeast Michigan nonprofit dedicated to providing free support services to individuals and families impacted by cancer, announced on Thursday the success of its recent matching gift fundraising campaign (the Extra Mile Match), which exceeded its goal and raised a total of $129,655.

The fundraiser occurred from Nov. 3 through Dec. 3, and an anonymous donor pledged to match all donations up to $55,000, according to the press release. During the month-long campaign period, community and business donors contributed $74,655, unlocking the full $55,000 anonymous match.

“This campaign is a powerful reminder that no one has to face cancer alone,” Melissa Burns, executive director of Friends Together, said in the release. “The generosity of our community and our anonymous matching donor will allow us to continue providing vital, free services that ease the emotional, physical, and financial burdens cancer can bring.”

Funds raised through the campaign will directly support the organization’s services, which include:

— Social and emotional support for individuals impacted by cancer.

— Transportation assistance, including rides to cancer-related medical appointments using the organization’s vans, volunteer drivers, or gas cards for those who are able to use their own vehicles to access cancer-related care.

— Medical lodging assistance for patients who must travel for treatment.

— Material support, such as specialized bras, prosthetics, wigs, et cetera.

This year marks 30 years of service for Friends Together. Through those years, the organization has provided “free, compassionate support to cancer patients and families throughout Northeast Michigan,” according to Friends Together.

“As we approach this milestone anniversary, this outpouring of support reaffirms our mission and our commitment to the people we serve,” Burns added in the release. “Because of this generosity, we will continue to be there for patients and families during some of their most challenging moments.”

For more information about Friends Together, or to learn how to support its mission, visit friendstogethermi.org or contact their office at (989) 356-3231.