ALPENA — More than $3,100 was raised for the MidMichigan Health Foundation and the Cancer Center of MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena during the first Mike Polaski 5K Color Run/Walk recently.

The money will help with equipment, education and patient comfort projects, the MidMichigan Health Foundation said in a news release.

Mike Polaski died in December 2016 from pancreatic cancer.

Mike and his wife, Darlene’s daughter, Amy Martin, was inspired to organize an event in her father’s honor.

“We knew immediately we wanted to host a 5K run/walk so that families could participate as a unit, regardless of ability level and really come together around this event,” Martin said in the news release.

Darlene participated and Mike’s mother, Blanche Polaski, 91, was also in attendance. Amy’s husband, John, helped man the registration table, son Mason did the timing and son Logan threw paint with a group of friends. It was indeed a family affair.

Martin and her family are already planning to do it again next autumn, as that was Mike’s favorite time of year.

Those interested in more information about donations to support cancer care at the Medical Center in Alpena may contact Ann Diamond of the MidMichigan Health Foundation at ann.diamond@midmichigan.org or 989-356-7738.