Alger Cancer  Support Fund

THIS PAGE IS RESERVED FOR REMEMBERING OUR LOVED ONE'S WHO LOST THEIR BATTLE TO CANCER.  IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE REMEMBER HOW WE WATCHED IN ADMIRATION AS THEY FOUGHT WITH STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION WHILE LOSING THEIR BATTLE.  WE HONOR OUR LOVED ONE'S HERE AND EVERYDAY IN OUR LIVES. THEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, ALWAYS RESPECTED AND FOREVER LOVED. 

ACSF Founder, accepts an "In Memory Of" donation from Valerie Dolaskie, daughter to Ann and Tom Dolaskie. "Our sincere thank you to the Dolaskie family and to the community for this generous donation.  It comes at a time when the need is the greatest". - Diana

The Dolaskie family expresses, "We are happy to know that Ann can continue to help support those struggling with cancer in Alger County.  The generous support of her family and friends is just one more way for Ann to continue to push her 'you can do this' attitude throughout our community.  We know she would be beyond proud of everyone contributing to the Alger Cancer Support Fund.  Thank you doesn't feel strong enough, but please know we mean it, from the bottom of our hearts.  Thank you all!"

Bev Glyptis......Breast Cancer. A remembrance to my Mom, Bev Glyptis. She was taken from us in 1984 by Breast Cancer. She was a very strong woman, with a tremendous spirit, and a huge love for life itself, and especially her family. She fought long and hard for so many years to stay with us for as long as she could. She wouldn't give in until she got what she wanted, which was to be a Grandma, which my sister Fran blessed her with; to be The Mother of The Bride, which my sister Rita gave to her; and to see all four of her girls graduate from High School, which the last of was me. She got those things, and passed at home with us two weeks after I turned 18. My Dad Steve, never got over losing her, she was his world in that special way, he gave his everything for her, and wore his wedding ring until the day he passed in 1993...... Dedicated by daughters Pam and Gina (As with many family members, Gina also  in subsequent years,  fought her own severe battle with this demon disease, and being such a strong woman as was our Mom, she prevailed. )

Ann Dolaskie......Lung Cancer. February 12, 2011.  A Special Dedication from Alger Cancer Support Fund and the founder, Diana Paradowski. When I answered the phone, on the other end was a stern right to the point voice, "Yeah, I want to talk to you about getting a support group started."  I explained to Ann that we were having our first fund raiser and invited her to attend to find me and we could sit and talk and explore ideas about the support group.  She asked, "How do I know who you are?".  I told her to look for the lady in the tie dye skirt. She did.  I was sitting at a table organizing Special Dedications that were collected from attendee's to be read.  Suddenly, I looked up to see this tall blond women and she was coming towards me with this "I mean business" look.  I became a little uneasy.  "Yeah, I'm Ann Dolaskie and I think we need a support group, there's a lot of us out here with cancer."  And so Alger Cancer Support Fund's Support Group was formed and the first meeting was three weeks later.  

Since that first meeting with Ann, she became a close and dear friend.  I called her my Amazon friend, my underwear friend, (another story, please read it on our "Get Inspired" page) and the driving force behind the Support Group.  Ann "strongly"  encouraged people to attend the support meetings.  If somebody didn't have a ride, she would pick them up.  Ann had a passion for reaching out to people with cancer, she encouraged them to tell their stories so that others would benefit from their experience and knowledge. When Ann was feeling like she needed to get her mind off her troubles she would call me up and ask me to tell her about the drama going on in my life as I had a lot of it at the time.  We joked, we laughed, we grew.  In 2010, Ann accepted a seat as Director on the Board of Directors for ACSF.  She made sure that ideas were followed through, that cancer patients knew about ACSF and that Alger Cancer Support Fund would not dissolve by encouraging me to keep plugging away at it because it was needed.  Ann kept reminding me that there are a lot of us out here living with cancer and to dissolve ACSF would be an injustice to Alger County cancer patients.

Ann, on behalf of Alger Cancer Support Fund I make this dedication and this promise, Alger Cancer Support Fund will continue to provide a service to the residents of Alger County and when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I will take a deep breath and remember the mission of ACSF.  You will be greatly missed, Ann.  In Love, Hope, Faith and Courage, Diana, Patty, Judy, Mary Lou Brandly, Kaye, Keith, Jessica, Melinda and the ACSF Support Group.

Eva Sherman......Colon Cancer.  September 18, 2010.  A Special Dedication from Alger Cancer Support Fund and the founder, Diana Paradowski.  When I first walked into Eva's house I was greeted with a hug.  Two strangers meeting over one cause.  She was bubbling with optimism and as a fellow cancer patient, it was refreshing to see.  "The doctor told me I had one year to live and I told him that's not good enough!".  "I have a grandson to live for".  And she did.  Eva gave of herself completely to her grandson.  She talked about him frequently.  They brought joy into each other's lives.  She lived past the year and every day she lived her life the way she always did, for her family. Eva was an active volunteer for Alger Cancer Support Fund.  She believed in and shared our cause. On behalf of Alger Cancer Support Fund's Support Group we make this dedication.  Eva, our sister and another warrior who fought long and courageously her fight against cancer.  Our fight continues now strengthened. You will be missed.  Our hearts and our prayers go out to Eva's family. In Love, Hope, Faith and Courage, the Alger Cancer Support Fund Support Group and ACSF Board, Ann, Judy, Alice, Kaye, Patty, Keith,  Mary Lou P, Mary Lou B, and Diana.    

 Winfield “Chum” Steinhoff Jr.Passed April 22, 2009  (Bone Cancer) 84

He Dedicated his life to Country, State, Community and Family…..  Fishing from his home base in Brown’s Addition was his passion and it was only fitting that the ice went out of the bay on his last day.  He was the Captain of our ship and only second in command to his Admiral…. Sally......Kim Graves

Bobby Bowerman (dedicated in March 2009) Lung Cancer; Feb 15, 2008. Bobby loved the Vikings, his wife, nieces and nephews and most of his brothers! He loved to hunt (especially road hunt with his friends) ........dedicated by Angie

Clara Yardley (dedicated in March 2009) Colon Cancer, August 2000.  Clara loved life.  She liked to tell a joke and was a wizard on the cribbage board. .....Brett

Deborah Franz (dedicated March 2009) Brain Cancer, June 16, 1993.  She was a great wife and mother who died at the age of 37.

Richard Crowton (dedicated March 2009) Colon Cancer/Lung Cancer.  Feb 23,1993. He was a great husband, father and grandfather.......... dedicated by Geraldine Franz

To remember your loved one, please go to "contact us" and fill out the form.  Please give as much information as possible; name, type of cancer you can add dates or any other information you would like us to know. Feel free to add humor; something funny they did all the time, something funny they said, their favorite saying etc..their hobbies and interests.  You can include a picture.

Together we can bring awareness to the many cancers our families are living with and increase the importance of having a general cancer fund. We can live with cancer together.

Brenda Wright.....Brain Cancer. Brenda was a wonderful and strong woman who was an inspiration to her family and friends. Her strength was admired by her sisters. She will be always remembered and loved. Dedicated by her Niece Melinda Savola/ACSF

Sherry Tyner.....Lung Cancer. A wonderful and loving sister who will be greatly missed.  dedicated by Selina Balko.

Larry Lindquist.....Lung Cancer.  Larry was a real trooper and will be greatly missed by his family. This dedication comes from his family.

Gary Swanson.....Lung Cancer. William Beauchaine....Throat Cancer.  Elizabeth Niemi....Breast Cancer. Audrey Beauchaine......Pancreatic Cancer.  Dedicated by Margi Beauchaine

"Peanut" Davis....Pancreatic Cancer.  Peanut lived long past his prognosis date.  He lived long and happy with his lifetime friend and wife, Sandy. It was always a pleasure running into the two of them together. Their love for each other showed in their eye's and on the dance floor.  Peanut loved his family. He was a strong and courageous man that set himself apart from his disease.  A real survivor. He will be missed. Dedicated by....Alger Cancer Support Fund 

Barbara Lukowski......Breast Cancer. Lost her battle Feburary 26 2010.  Some of us didn't have the opportunity to get to know Barb except through friends who were struggling with their personal battles with cancer alongside her.  Her strength and determination spoke volumes and it is with great admiration and respect that Alger Cancer Support Fund makes this dedication to Barb.  She will always be remembered as a strong woman, a warrior and our sister.ACSF Support Group; Ann, Eva, Mary Lou P, Judy, Patty, Mary Lou B, and Diana

Special Dedication to Audrey F.... Breast Cancer 2009. When I first met Audrey I  admired how she had a way of saying what was on her mind, she didn't beat around the bush.  Listening to her stories of her as a young girl, a young bride, a health care provider and a mother inspired me as a health care provider a woman and a breast cancer survivor.   She had the most unique belly laugh.  When I listened to her laugh she made me laugh and so we'd laugh together just to laugh. Visiting with her brightened my day and I know from her smile as I entered the room I brightened hers. With thoughts of admiration.........Diana

Special Dedication to: Mildred, Julie and Cindy and others that have or had Breast cancer.  All women are strong and beautiful!  dedicated by Barb Cobb. 

Terrene P. Nolan...lost his battle on March 23, 2008 to Esophogeal cancer.  Terry always would comment on how bad he felt for kids who were going through what he was.  He referred to cancer as the "disease from hell". dedicated by his wife Janice M. Nolan

Richard Enterline... passed on December 15, 2009. Richard was diagnosed with Melanoma, liver and bone cancer.   Richard always smiled had a great personality and loved jello! Dedicated by anonymous.

Ida Graves....passed on July 18, 2009.  Mom had cancer for 9+ years, Melanoma, lung  cancer, colon cancer and finally small cell cancer.  She was an inspiration to all her family, never complaining or feeling sorry for herself or asking "why me? ".  Mom was a surviver and was the rock of our family.  She
loved knitting and crocheting and making sweaters for her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed cooking and making special treats for everyone.  No one ever left her house hungry. She is now with our heavenly Father and at peace.  She is sorely missed by all her friends and family.  Dedicated by her daughter-Cindy Hines

Jane Ahlborn, lost her battle June 18, 2005.  "My candle burns at both it's end, it will not last the night. But oh my friends and oh my foe's, it gives a glorious light!" .......Diane, Tim, Greg, Fred, Wally Ahlborn 

My father, Bob Cota,  lost his battle to Pancreatic Liver Cancer. Bob loved  shooting pool and visiting friends at the local establishments.  His favorite saying was "You bet your sweet bippy". .........Greg Cota

My son, Mark Brandly, lost his battle to Mouth Cancer.  Mark loved to hunt and fish.  Mark is now hunting in his tackle box.  My son, Bob Brandly, lost his battle to Esophageal Cancer.  Bob was a traveling man who is now traveling to bigger and better places........Mary Lou Brandly 

Captain David Gage.  A Friend. I didn't know what to think about Captain Dave when I first met him.  He grew on me as did his friendship. He brought me little oddities from his travels as well as healing crystals. I never knew what would be in his hands when he knocked on the door. He made "house calls" for me when I was fighting breast cancer.    He came over to check my temp, or take me for a ride if I was feeling up to it. I thought I was up for a ride until we got past the city limits! He forgot I just got out of surgery!  I grew to love him as he was.  A true friend to many.  David lost his battle to Pancreatic Cancer in the Spring, April 2009.  I've always thought of spring as a sign of new life.  David would be the one to find new life and come back and let us know about it.  ........Diana Paradowski

Chet Gage.....died from cancer approximately one year after David. Thoughts and prayers to David and Chet's family...ACSF