Leelanau Cancer Center Foundation steps forward
By Linda Engelhard
Sun contributor
When a family member or neighbor shares the news of a cancer diagnosis, we try to be helpful in any way we can. Medical personnel help with treatment plans and insurance can help with the cost of care, but what about other costs that don’t go away during recovery? The nonprofit Leelanau County Cancer Foundation recognizes that challenge and is ready to offer help when it’s needed.
About 15 years ago, a group of community members began addressing the financial needs of patients with cancer, and in 2016, the Leelanau County Cancer Foundation (LCCF) was formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The all-volunteer board of directors consists of committed people who bring their personal and professional skills to their Leelanau neighbors.
Terry Gremel, the board president, is a retired oncology nurse who serves as the intake contact person. Her heart for cancer patients has led her to facilitate an ongoing cancer support group for more than 18 years. Other board members help with grant writing, printing, or fund-raising events, and each of them shares a passion for helping their neighbors during difficult times.
The help LCCF offers covers a wide range of needs. Often, a person needs to travel for treatment but cannot afford the extra cost of gas and hotel rooms, so LCCF covers it. Other common needs are financial help with insurance payments or rent. Cancer sometimes makes it difficult to work, but the bills keep rolling in and not everyone has a safety net. The stress of meeting financial demands makes healing and recovery even harder, which is why LCCF works to improve the quality of life for neighbors whose lives have been affected by cancer. They focus on help, which can sustain hope for families during challenging times.
Asking for help can feel awkward, but the actual process of reaching out to LCCF is quite simple. There are two criteria for applying: a cancer diagnosis and residency in Leelanau County. Terry Gremel can be contacted at (231) 645-212, and she completes a brief intake form with basic information that is kept confidential. Next, she communicates with applicants to determine the cost of what they need, then shares the assessment with the treasurer, who provides a check.
Financial needs can take many forms. One longtime recipient has dealt with multiple cancers and needed help to have his car repaired, and later to replace his broken-down refrigerator. Not long ago, a couple needed help to provide a first-floor bedroom. The bedrooms were on the second floor, and the patient was unable to climb the stairs, so LCCF partnered with Leelanau Christian Neighbors to solve the problem.
The biggest ongoing challenge for the Leelanau County Cancer Foundation is continuing to raise funds that can provide even more assistance. For several years, LCCF held a popular English high tea event in Northport. And while many Leelanau residents enjoyed the event, the board began looking for ways to include a wider range of supporters. For the last two years, they held an evening gala at the French Valley Vineyard, complete with food, music, and auction items. For the first time this year, the annual Northport Run for Cancer Funds will give their proceeds to the LCCF, enabling those funds to stay local. The Leelanau Township Community Foundation, as well as other local foundations, are generous in their support. The LCCF also receives donations resulting from a donor letter mailed out every spring. In 2024 alone, they provided $70,000 to Leelanau County residents with cancer. And since 2016, the foundation has been able to provide more than $500,000 to help cover expenses for 164 families.
Whether by mail or social media, we all receive requests from cancer charities that do great work. Most of their budgets, however, include salaries and overhead. LCCF has no paid employees, just dedicated board members and volunteers. While large organizations focus on national and global needs, LCCF funds are dedicated to caring for local residents.
If you know of someone with cancer in Leelanau County who needs financial help, the board encourages you to share this opportunity. Knowing your neighbors care and are cheering you on, and that some expenses will be covered, can be a huge comfort. To learn more about how you can join with your Leelanau neighbors, visit the LCCF website: leelanaucountycancerfoundation.org.
