Hitz for Hope makes first donation to Susan’s Wish
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Hitz for Hope, a new nonprofit founded by the Hitzelberger family, thoughtfully made its first donation in a touching, full-circle moment. The $500 gift was given to Susan's Wish, a fund honoring the memory of one of Dr. Bill Hitzelberger's first oncology patients.
Susan's Wish was established in memory of Susan Yachcik (née Barton) by her family after her passing from ovarian cancer in 2012. Held by MyMichigan Health Foundation, the fund provides flexible financial assistance to cancer patients receiving care at the Alpena Cancer Center. Its purpose is to help fill the gaps that may not be covered through traditional assistance programs. Social workers at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena use its funds to assist cancer patients and their families with transportation, medication expenses, lodging during treatment and other unexpected financial burdens.
Susan's mother, Penny Barton, and brothers, Daryl and Jon Barton, have continued to uphold her legacy by helping ease some of the everyday challenges that can accompany a cancer diagnosis. The fund allows assistance to be directed where it is needed most, providing practical support to patients and families during an already difficult time.
Hitz for Hope is a new nonprofit founded by local hematologist and oncologist Bill Hitzelberger, D.O., his wife, Jen, and their children, Hunter, Sydney, Olivia and Tucker. The organization provides trusted cancer education and accessible resources while inspiring charitable giving to support patients, families, research and cancer care. After losing Bill's father to cancer, the family created Hitz for Hope as a way to extend their commitment to supporting those whose lives have been affected by cancer. The nonprofit exists to remove fear and confusion from cancer education by providing medically accurate, compassionate, and accessible information for patients, families, and communities.
Dr. Hitzelberger shared the following thoughts on making the gift:
"I remember Susan and her family well, which makes it especially meaningful that Hitz for Hope's first donation is being made to her fund. I am grateful for the Barton family's continued perseverance in honoring Susan's legacy by helping other families facing cancer. It is incredibly meaningful, especially as a doctor and member of this community, to see families helping other families facing cancer."
The donation was presented during a recent Take Time for You education session, where Dr. Hitzelberger was the featured speaker on behalf of Hitz for Hope also as a medical professional at the Cancer Center. Hosted by the Community Outreach Committee of MyMichigan Health Foundation's Development Council serving Alpena, the lunch and learn series gives community members an opportunity to step away from their busy schedules to learn, connect and focus on their health and well-being. Take Time for You sessions feature educational topics and local experts while creating an informal setting for community members to ask questions and connect with resources.
"Having Hitz for Hope choose Susan's Wish for its very first donation makes this gift especially meaningful," said Ann Diamond, development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. "It brings together two families with a shared commitment to helping others through the challenges of cancer. We are incredibly grateful for their compassion and generosity and the difference they continue to make for patients and families in our community."
Those interested in engaging Dr. Hitzelberger for a presentation, making a donation, or purchasing Hitz for Hope gear may visit www.hitzforhope.com.
Those interested in making a donation 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.