Courtesy photo Jennifer Schuch, social worker, Alpena Cancer Center; Shirley Kowalski, member, Long Rapids First Congregational Church Women’s Fellowship; and Mary Delling, medical assistant, Alpena Cancer Center.

ALPENA – Patients receiving treatment at Alpena Cancer Center received an added source of comfort thanks to the generosity of the Long Rapids First Congregational Church Women’s Fellowship group. In celebration of four members’ birthdays, the group gathered an assortment of snacks and delivered them to the Cancer Center to support patients undergoing treatment.

The donation was received by Jennifer Schuch, social worker, Alpena Cancer Center, who expressed appreciation on behalf of the staff and cancer patients. “Gestures like this mean more than people realize,” Schuch said. “Our patients and staff were truly touched. Knowing that the community is thinking of them brings comfort, strength, and a sense of being supported during challenging times.”

The donation reflects the broader mission of outreach for Women’s Fellowship, an expression of faith lived out through service. The group brings together women from local community churches, united in prayer, scripture, reading and a shared commitment to uplifting those in need across Northeast Michigan.

Led by President Carole Jelinek, the 26-member women’s group meets twice a month from September through May at 5440 Church Street in Lachine. Their ministries include sewing clothing protectors for nursing home residents, creating quilts for families in hardship and turning donated jeans into durable rugs. They also send greeting cards to shut‒ins and those living in care facilities, offering encouragement during holidays, birthdays, weddings, and new births. They are most known known for hosting Hunters Round Up in November, their annual community bazaar.

Ann Diamond, development director for MyMichigan Health Foundation, expressed her gratitude as well, saying, “We are grateful that the fellowship chose to support the Alpena Cancer Center with this thoughtful donation. Acts of kindness like this lift the spirits of our patients and remind our staff that the community stands beside them. Generosity like this truly makes a difference.”

The Alpena Cancer Center Fund at MyMichigan Health Foundation supports the patients and families by raising funds for equipment, services and programs for the Cancer Center. Those interested in more information on the fund or MyMichigan Health Foundation may contact Diamond at ann.diamond@mymichigan.org or (989) 356-7738.