Scotty G Fishing Tournament raises funds for Alpena cancer patients
Ron Brady, co-founder of Susan’s Wish fund and organizer of the annual Scotty G Fishing Tournament hands the proceeds of tournament to Ann Diamond, director, MidMichigan Health Foundation to assist cancer patients in their journey.
ALPENA, Mich. – Cancer patients at MidMichigan Medical Center – Alpena will once again benefit from the hard work and generosity of a group of individuals who hosted the 13th annual Scotty G Fishing Tournament. This year, more than 200 fishermen participated in this special event.
Ron Brady recently presented Ann Diamond, development director, MidMichigan Health Foundation, with the proceeds from this year’s tournament. A check for $4,250 was given for the Susan’s Wish Fund. Susan’s Wish is a fund that was created by Brady, Penny Barton and Stephanie Dettloff in memory of Susan Yachcik who passed away in 2012 at age 42 from ovarian cancer. The fund assists with ancillary patient expenses at the Alpena Cancer Center, including hotel stays, gas cards, meal vouchers, and even prescription assistance.
The fishing tournament was established in 2008 in memory of Brady’s cousin Jeffrey Scott Gierszewski, who passed away in January 2008 in a tragic snowmobile accident on Beaver Lake. Proceeds from the early tournaments raised funds to purchase an ice rescue boat and equipment for the Green Township Fire Department. After that, Brady thought directing proceeds to help assist other cancer patients at the Cancer Center would be a good way to keep his friend Susan’s memory alive.
“I organize the tournament and, after 12 years, everyone just comes out and does their part,” said Brady, whose volunteer team is instrumental in securing sponsorships, weighing fish, selling tickets, and organizing a 50/50 raffle. “Susan’s mom, Penny Barton works at the event the entire day. We also have the support of True North Radio Network. We couldn’t do what we do without them and the entire team.”
Diamond expressed the gratitude of the MidMichigan Health Foundation, “We sincerely thank Ron and his volunteers for their hard work and dedication to support the Susan’s Wish Fund. This money is so important in assisting with the many expenses related to cancer treatment, offering our patients much needed support in very trying times.”
For more information about the fund, contact Diamond at (989) 356-7738 or ann.diamond@midmichigan.org.
.
