Zonta Club of Alpena Continues to Support MyMichigan Health Foundation
Pictured left to right: Kayla Parsell, club member, Zonta Club of Alpena; Loren Jackson, board member, Zonta Club of Alpena; Steve Hand, imaging services manager, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena; Ann Diamond, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation; Eileen Budnick, board member, Zonta Club of Alpena; Jo Sims, president, Zonta Club of Alpena; Melissa Chabot, board member, Zonta Club of Alpena; Brittany Mischloney, club member, Zonta Club of Alpena; and Jo’Lee Dorie, club member, Zonta Club of Alpena.
The Zonta Club of Alpena successfully hosted its 18th annual Zonta Walks for Women event to honor and celebrate those who have had breast cancer, while also spreading awareness on the importance of early detection. Recently, the Zontians presented the proceeds from the event to local organizations with $5,269.84 directed to the Breast Health Fund at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.
Eileen Budnick, chair of the Zonta Walks for Women committee, presented the check to Ann Diamond, development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, and Steve Hand, imaging services manager, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.
“This is the first year we invited the organizations who received the contributions from the fundraiser to provide participants with information on breast cancer and locally available resources. This allowed the focus to be on the use of the funds, available resources, the organizations that benefit from the event, and also provided time for participants to learn about the importance of early detection,” said Budnick.
Hand agreed that early detection is extremely important for improved outcomes with most cancers.
“Alpena and the surrounding counties all fall below the national average for women receiving regularly scheduled breast exams. This is a cause for great concern and underlines the importance of events like Zonta Walks for Women. We need greater awareness on the benefits of early detection. There have been so many advancements in the technology, especially 3D mammography. And the Medical Center has also recently completed the renovation of our Breast Health Suite. It is made to be patient friendly, providing privacy and comfort. We want our patients to have the best technology available and the best patient experience possible.”
In 2024, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena completed renovations on the Breast Health Suite, combining the waiting area, patient exam rooms, mammography and ultrasound lab into one, centrally enclosed area. By creating one central suite the length of patient appointments has been reduced, and the proximity of treatment rooms is much easier on patients, creating a better overall experience for patients. Zonta of Alpena played a large role in this by financially supporting the purchase of a new ultrasound machine for the Breast Health Suite’s dedicated use.
“I can’t emphasize enough how important our collaboration with Zonta is in providing the best possible care and services available to our breast health patients. When you look at the changes we’ve been through – adding a Breast Health Navigator, providing Bella Blankets for mammograms and Radiant Wraps for those going through radiation treatment, even the bigger changes like 3D mammography – all of these improvements have been due in part to community support and our
partnership with Zonta. We are so very thankful for their support,” concludes Hand.
Diamond added: “The Zonta Club of Alpena has been a longtime supporter of the Breast Health Fund at the MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. Their work has touched so many lives over the past 18 years. It’s amazing to think of their impact over all this time and the advancements we’ve seen in breast cancer detection, treatment and survival rates since their first Walk. We are so grateful for their ongoing support. On behalf of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena and our patients, we extend our sincerest thanks to the members of Zonta and all who participate in the walk.”
The MyMichigan Health Foundation supports the patients and families served by MyMichigan Health through raising funds for equipment, services, and programs. Those interested in more information on the Breast Health Fund or MyMichigan Health Foundation may contact Diamond at ann.diamond@mymichigan.org or (989) 356-7738.
