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ALPENA -- Thirty years ago, one mother made a promise to her daughter: no one should have to face cancer alone. That promise became Friends Together.
In 1996, following her daughter Dawn's cancer journey, Judy Burns founded Friends Together to provide something she and her family had struggled to find--understanding, connection and practical support for people navigating cancer in northeast Michigan.
Three decades later, that promise continues through an organization that has become a vital resource for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and loved ones throughout the region.
In 2026, Friends Together is celebrating 30 years of helping people with cancer with theFriends Gala, an evening dedicated not only to honoring the organization's history, but to
ensuring its impact continues.
The gala will take place Sept. 18 at the APlex in Alpena, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Guests are invited to dress in gala formal attire and enjoy an evening featuring a gourmet Italian buffet by Thunder Bay Catering, desserts from Save Your Fork, music by Bobbing for Piranhas, live and silent auctions, a raffle and cash bar.
But the evening is about much more than dinner, music and celebration. It is about making sure Friends Together can continue saying " yes" when someone facing cancer needs help.
Today, Friends Together serves residents of Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties--providing services at no charge. Those services include transportation assistance through volunteer drivers and gas cards, lodging assistance for medical care, support groups and activities, community resource referrals, and tangible support such as wigs, prosthetics, specialized bras and items available through the organization's Care and Comfort Boutique.
For someone traveling hours for cancer treatment, a gas card can mean getting to an appointment. For someone who needs to travel away from home for treatment or testing, lodging assistance can make that journey possible. For a patient or caregiver who feels overwhelmed and alone, a support group can provide something just as important, people who understand. Those are the impacts the Friends Gala is helping to protect.
"Thirty years is an incredible milestone, but we don't want to simply look backward," said Melissa Burns, Executive Director of Friends Together. "We want to celebrate my mother 's
vision and the people who made these 30 years possible while looking ahead to the next 30. Every person who purchases a ticket, sponsors the gala, donates an auction item or
supports Friends Together is helping us continue the promise that started this organization--that no one should face cancer alone."
The Friends Gala website invites the community to "gather your friends for a night of fun and glamour as big as the impact that we are recognizing."
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are now available at friendsgala.org and can be purchased at the Friends Together office.
Community members who cannot attend but would still like to support the 30th anniversary celebration can also make a donation or contact Friends Together about sponsorship and auction opportunities.
For more information, contact Friends Together at (989) 356-3231 or talktous@friendstogethermi.org.