Courtesy photo Penny Barton, founder of Susan’s Wish, holds the profits from Julie Dziesinski’s recent online fundraiser.

ALPENA – The Alpena community demonstrated its generosity with a recent online fundraiser that raised $5,355 in support of Susan’s Wish Fund at MyMichigan Health Foundation. Originally scheduled for earlier in the month, the virtual event was postponed a week due to the recent ice storm that disabled internet access for much of the region.

The fundraiser, hosted by Julie Dziesinski, featured an array of donated items, including themed gift baskets, lottery baskets, lottery boards, gift certificates, and other specialty packages. Participants bid enthusiastically throughout the evening, helping ensure the fundraiser exceeded expectations despite the weather‒related delay.

Ann Diamond, development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the continued dedication of Julie Dziesinski, the Barton family, and the broader community for Susan’s Wish. “We are grateful to Julie for hosting this online auction; Penny Barton for all that she does for this fund, and everyone who participated in the fundraiser,” Diamond said. “This is a unique way to raise funds for Susan’s Wish and we are thankful for Julie’s work and the enormous success of this event.”

Susan’s Wish was established in memory of Susan Yachcik (née Barton), who passed away in 2012 after battling ovarian cancer. Created by her family, the fund honors Susan’s legacy by providing flexible financial support to cancer patients receiving care at the Alpena Cancer Center. Unlike traditional assistance programs, Susan’s Wish is designed specifically to fill the gaps that often go unmet–allowing social workers to help patients and their families with essential needs such as transportation costs, medication expenses, lodging during treatment, and other unexpected burdens that arise during cancer treatment.

Dziesinski noted that she generously hosts fundraisers for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and local charities, and cannot host fundraisers for individuals. Those interested in more information about donations to Susan’s Wish or supporting cancer care at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena may contact Diamond at ann.diamond@mymichigan.org or 989-356-7738.