Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, T.A.C.K.L.E. (Together Against Cancer Kept Local Everyday) understands all too well that cancer takes no breaks and Otsego County residents dealing with this horrible disease face more even more obstacles and challenges than ever before.
As a result, the T.A.C.K.L.E. Fund of the Otsego Community Foundation and its associates have been dedicated to easing the burdens of residents undergoing treatment to the greatest extent possible.
The wonderful group of volunteer drivers has ensured that free transportation to Munson Otsego Memorial Hospital, McLaren Northern Michigan, and Karmanos Treatment Centers via the T.A.C.K.L.E. Medical Transport Van has run uninterrupted and in conjunction with all revised center admittance guidelines.
Thanks to a monumental $5000 donation from Community Financial as part of their “Blue and Black Gives Back” program, T.A.C.K.L.E. has been able to extend their reach during these unprecedented times. Community Financials Blue and Black gives back program was started in 2015 and a nomination for T.A.C.K.L.E. was submitted in late January of this year. Thanks to the support of the Community Financial team members who voted for the organization, T.A.C.K.L.E was awarded as the 2020 top winner and presented with a Community Financial check in the amount of $5000 in late February.
As a result of this generous gift T.A.C.K.L.E. has been able to grant the Oncology Patient Assistance Program of the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation with $2000 to assist Otsego County cancer patients experiencing financially catastrophic situations with utility and housing assistance while they undergo treatment.
Also, this month T.A.C.K.L.E. was able to grant the Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital Oncology Assistance Fund with $2000 to assist Otsego County patients undergoing treatment at OMH and experiencing financial hardships with housing, utility, and personal need assistance during this trying time.
It is with great gratitude and honor that despite having to postpone the 6th Annual T.A.C.K.L.E. 5k Color Tour originally scheduled for Saturday, April 25th due to the Covid-19 pandemic, T.A.C.K.L.E. has been able to still bring a little color into the lives of Otsego County cancer patients.
The support of amazing sponsors and volunteers in the most challenging of times highlights the resilience and unity of the community. It is the hope of T.A.C.K.L.E. to still “Fight Cancer One Color At A Time” at the postponed 5K Color Tour currently scheduled for August 29th, 2020.
To learn more about the T.A.C.K.L.E. fund of the Otsego Community Foundation please visit https://give.otsegofoundation.org/TACKLE or check out Tackle Fund – Otsego County on Facebook
