Published on August 17, 2026

Kathy Smart Golf for Cancer Recovery Raises $3,880 for Local Cancer Patients

The Kathy Smart Golf for Cancer Recovery Golf Outing brought together a dedicated group of women on Wednesday, July 8, at West Branch Country Club to support local cancer patients. Event co-chairs Dawn Jones and Shelli Hasselbach recently presented a total of $3,880 in donations, with $1,940 going to both MyMichigan Medical Center in Tawas and MyMichigan Medical Center in West Branch.

Proceeds from the outing will support cancer services at MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas and MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch by providing gas cards to help offset the cost of travel for patients receiving cancer treatment. This assistance will help reduce the financial burden of transportation for patients and families already navigating the challenges of cancer care.

West Branch Golf event photo from left to right: Shawna Buda, supervisor of Radiation Oncology, Kelsey Killinger, director of MyMichigan Health Foundation, Dawn Jones, co-chair, Shelli Hasselbach, co-chair, and Lanelle Brown, chief administration officer and vice president of MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch.

Shawna Buda, supervisor of Radiation Oncology, Kelsey Killinger, director of MyMichigan Health Foundation, Dawn Jones, co-chair, Shelli Hasselbach, co-chair, and Lanelle Brown, chief administration officer and vice president of MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch.

Tawas Golf event photo from left to right: Amy Torgusen, manager of Oncology & Hematology, Michelle Bacarella, specialist, fund development, MyMichigan Health Foundation, Dawn Jones, co-chair, Shelli Hasselbach, co-chair.

Amy Torgusen, manager of Oncology & Hematology, Michelle Bacarella, specialist, fund development, MyMichigan Health Foundation, Dawn Jones, co-chair, Shelli Hasselbach, co-chair.

“Transportation can be a significant challenge for patients who need to travel for cancer treatment,” said Michelle Bacarella, specialist, fund development, MyMichigan Health Foundation in Tawas. “These gas cards provide meaningful assistance and let patients know that their community is behind them. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in and supported the Kathy Smart Golf for Cancer Recovery Outing.”

The annual outing is made possible through the tremendous dedication of co-chairs Dawn Jones and Shelli Hasselbach, along with their team of volunteers. Year after year, they devote countless hours to planning, organizing and working behind the scenes to ensure the event is a success. Their commitment to supporting local cancer patients and bringing the community together is deeply appreciated.

“The continued support for this event is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together for a common cause,” said Kelsey Killinger, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation in West Branch. “Dawn, Shelli and their team have created an event that not only brings women together but also provides valuable support to local patients and families during an incredibly challenging time. We are grateful for their dedication and for everyone who helped make this year’s event a success.”

The success of the event reflects the generosity and commitment of the participants, sponsors and supporters, who came together to make a meaningful difference for individuals and families facing cancer in the local community.

The Kathy Smart Golf for Cancer Recovery Golf Outing continues to demonstrate the power of community support in helping local cancer patients access the treatment and resources they need.

Those interested in more information about the MyMichigan Health Foundation in Tawas may contact Bacarella at (989) 362-0159, or those interested in more information about the MyMichigan Health Foundation in West Branch may contact Killinger at (989) 343-3694.