Chelsea Update would like to thank Laura Blodgett for the information in this story.)
St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea (SJMC) recently was presented with $25,000 to support its cancer services from Gary and Karin Klapperich, organizers of the “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive” fundraiser.
In its eighth year, the event has raised $170,000 to date to benefit the Cancer Center at SJMC. The 16,500 square-foot cancer center enables local residents to receive a wide range of cancer treatments, from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation, all under one roof close to home.
As a member of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, SJMC’s Cancer Center also provides access to regional resources including clinical research trials, genetic counseling, and CyberKnife® radiotherapy.
More than nine years ago, Gary Klapperich, diagnosed with colon cancer, had successful cancer surgery at SJMC followed by chemotherapy at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor.
It was during the long hours of infusion that Gary kept his spirits up with the Travis Tritt tune, “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” and the name of the fundraiser was born.
When he learned that SJMC was raising funds to build an infusion center and then a full cancer center close to home, Gary, along with his wife Karin Klapperich, made the decision to hold a fundraiser each year to benefit the new cancer center.
Working with the members of the Ann Arbor Fraternal Order of Eagles #2154, this event has become one of the largest three-day rummage sales in the area.
In addition to the rummage sale, the event includes silent and live auctions, raffles, bake sales, t-shirt and bracelet sales, 50/50 raffles, haircuts for charity, and a myriad of activities throughout the year, culminating in the event, which was held this year Aug. 18-20.
“Although Karin and I tend to be the spokespersons for this event, it would not be possible without the hours and hours of time donated by members of the Eagles and other community members,” said Gary Klapperich in a press release. “They have embraced us and this event and share our passion to bring cancer care closer to home. We cannot thank them enough for making this event so successful.”
