According to a Friends Together press release, the nonprofit, cancer-support organization is launching the “Extra Mile Match” donation drive, with the goal of raising money to help make the journey easier for patient receiving care.

The release states that an anonymous donor committed to matching every donated dollar Friends Together collects from now through Dec. 3 for up to $55,000.

“Both personal and business donations received through Dec. 3 will have double the impact,” Malinda Amlotte, Friends Together team member, said in the release. “Raising the maximum match amount in a month will be a challenge but with the help of our generous community, we are striving to get to the full $55,000 mark. We are beyond grateful to our anonymous donor for this opportunity and for their support of cancer patients in Northeast Michigan.”

According to Friends Together, the nonprofit “goes the distance” to help local Northeast Michigan patients get to critical, cancer care through their transportation and lodging program.

The release states that Friends Together utilizes two vans to drive patients over 55,000 miles annually. In the last fiscal year, the nonprofit supplied over $56,000 in gas cards to help get patients to treatment. If lodging is needed for travel related to cancer care, Friends Together is able to assist with that as well. The total for the 416 nights of lodging provided last year was $30,094.

“Friends Together is heading into our 30th year of helping people with cancer,” Executive Director Melissa Burns said in the release. ” What started with a promise from my mother that no one would face cancer alone, has grown into a nonprofit that has touched the lives of thousands of people in Northeast Michigan over the years. However, none of the work we do to fulfill our mission can be done without the help of our donors. Whether you are able to commit $10 or $10,000 to the Extra Mile Match, it is so appreciated. Having cancer is hard. Getting help shouldn’t be. Let’s work together to make the journey easier.”

Friends Together states that donations can be dropped off or mailed to Friends Together at 105 Prentiss, Alpena, MI. Online donations are welcomed at bit.ly/EXTRAMILEMATCH or at friendstogethermi.org.