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FRIENDS FALL 2026

YOUR GIFTS ENHANCE CANCER SERVICES

WHAT’S INSIDE

OUR MISSION

2 Welcome

Your donations brought new, leading-edge technology to our community, provide added support for patients undergoing cancer treatment, and strengthen the family medicine residency program.

3 New CEO joins McLaren Northern Michigan

To receive and administer funds to support the mission of McLaren Northern Michigan and support programs that enhance the well-being of the community.

4 Community fundraisers for cancer 8 Residents strengthen family medicine 10 Advancing cardiac care 11 Estate planning creates lasting impact

ON THE COVER Dear Friends, Cover art

Autumn fosters reflection as a season of change and across our community, the spirit of renewal is found in small moments of joy.

Dr. Isaac Kaufman and Dr. Pedro Zamora bring innovative radiation oncology treatments to northern Michigan learn more on pages 6-7.

360 Connable Avenue Petoskey, MI 49770 (231) 487-3500 Friends of the Foundation Newsletter is a publication of the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation and is produced three times a year.

Here at the Foundation, we recognize the power of community as Breast Cancer Awareness Month inspires generosity and connectedness. Innovation leads the path forward for cancer and cardiac treatment in northern Michigan, so that patients and their loved ones can remain close to home. Together with donors across the region, we are supporting cancer patients and survivors through fundraising events and advancements in technology. This season, it’s also our pleasure to introduce our community to the new president and CEO of McLaren Northern Michigan, Tonya L. Darner. As she transitions to a new leadership role, our programs continue to strengthen health care across our system and 22-county service area, including the Family Medicine Residency Rural Training Track now entering its fourth year of training new physicians. Your continued investment in McLaren Northern Michigan makes these projects and programs possible. Together, we are changing lives every day right here at home. Warmly,

Elise Fisher

Julie Jarema

Board Chair

Vice President, Chief Philanthropy Officer

Rogan L. Saal | James C. Schroeder, PhD | Tracy Souder, MA CCC-SL | Maggie Steffy, JD Julie Jarema, Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer

WELCOMING NEW LEADERSHIP Tonya L. Darner Joins McLaren Northern Michigan as CEO At the end of September, McLaren Northern Michigan welcomed Tonya L. Darner as the new President and Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of Gar Atchison. The transition process has been led by the McLaren Northern Michigan Board of Trustees and McLaren Health Care Senior Executive Team. Tonya joins our community from Marquette, where she served as Market Chief Executive Officer for UP Health System—Marquette and UP Health System—Bell, providing strategic leadership across two hospital campuses, including a 222-bed Level II trauma center and specialty care hospital with a Level III NICU and 25-bed critical access hospital. She has led initiatives that resulted in strengthened stakeholder relationships, enhanced quality and safety, and improved recruitment and retention across key service lines and provider groups. Tonya’s additional leadership experience includes previously serving as CEO and COO of UP Health System—Marquette, COO of Aspirus Wausau Hospital, and several operational and clinical leadership roles across health systems in Michigan and Wisconsin. In addition to her professional experience in health care, Tonya served more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, holding leadership positions in medical operations, recruiting, and emergency services.

Tonya earned a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University, a Bachelor of Science in human resource management from Mount Olive College, and associate degrees in human resource management and allied health sciences from the Community College of the Air Force. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on several state and regional boards, including the Michigan Health & Hospital Association Board. We welcome Tonya to McLaren Northern Michigan and the communities we serve! “Tonya brings an outstanding track record of leadership in both clinical and nonclinical settings, with a deep and genuine understanding of the unique health care needs of rural communities. Her decision to join McLaren Northern Michigan is a tremendous win for the region, reflecting her unwavering commitment to serving those communities and advancing access to high-quality health care. I am thrilled to welcome Tonya and look forward to working with her as we continue to strengthen and sustain exceptional care for the people of northern Michigan.” - Pat Hemingway Hall, McLaren Northern Michigan Board Chair Every donation to the Foundation strengthens health care services provided by McLaren Northern Michigan. Your support has an immediate impact on our community. Scan this QR code to donate online or reach out to the Foundation to make a gift today. 360 Connable Avenue, Petoskey, MI 49770

COMMUNITY THAT CARES Fundraising Events Benefit Patients Across Northern Michigan Each year, across our 22-county service area, community groups, businesses, teams, schools, and clubs plan and host fundraisers that benefit breast health funds and Oncology services at McLaren Northern Michigan, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) and beyond. These community events play an important role in creating awareness of the programs and needs of McLaren Northern Michigan and the patients we serve. Across our community, people volunteer their time, energy, and talents to create meaningful events and raise funds on behalf of the Foundation.

Lavender Goes Pink Against the stunning backdrop of Lavender Hill Farm, this annual event showcases live music, a silent auction, and testimonials from breast cancer survivors to raise funds for the Breast Health Fund. In the 3 years that this event’s been held, it has raised more than $40,000 to provide advanced diagnostics, additional resources, and comfort items for patients across our community.

High School Athletics For several years, athletes from our local high schools have chosen to support cancer patients through special games where players, parents, and fans raise funds. Petoskey High School Hockey hosts an annual game that raised more than $3,700 in 2026 for Oncology Patient Assistance (pictured right, with oncology staff). This donation helps meet patient needs beyond treatment, including transportation, specialized garments, and nutritional support. During October, Petoskey High School Football hosts a Pink Game, when players wear pink jerseys and game attendees are encouraged to participate in the fundraiser. This fun annual event is a collaboration between Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan, the Foundation, and Petoskey High School Athletics. More than $33,000 has been raised since the event was first held and this year’s game will be played on October 16 at Petoskey High School.

McLaren.org/NorthernMichiganFoundation | (231) 487-3500

Racquet Sports and Golf Tournaments Since 2007, members of Birchwood Farms Golf and Country Club have hosted the “Take A Swing At Cancer” event to support patients fighting cancer across northern Michigan. The tournament features pickleball (2025 group pictured, right), tennis, bocce, and golf events across two days to raise funds for Oncology Patient Assistance. A celebratory luncheon offers an opportunity to share the impact of their event on the lives of patients. Entering its 20th year in 2027, we look forward to continuing this great partnership! Across the bay, the Bay Harbor Ladies Golf Association hosts an annual Pink Ribbon Rally to support the Breast Health Fund. In this scramble-style tournament, teams play 18 holes at the Bay Harbor Golf Club. This year’s event raised $20,000 that will provide breast comfort kits, travel assistance, and advanced diagnostic testing for patients in our community. Pictured above is the group prior to teeing off in August 2026.

Local Businesses Extend Their Generosity Area businesses support breast health initiatives of McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation with efforts throughout the year, including Fletch’s (pictured right), Dave Kring Chevrolet Cadillac, M&M Plumbing, Wheeler Motors, Audie’s, Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse, Vernale’s, J. McLaughlin, Odawa Casino, Citizens National Bank, and Ken’s Village Market. These gifts are important to providing additional resources for breast cancer patients and survivors facing some of life’s most challenging moments. Generous donor support sustains and grows oncology care provided by Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan. 360 Connable Avenue, Petoskey, MI 49770

ADVANCING INNOVATIVE CARE CLOSE TO HOME Donor Investments Provide Technology to Deliver Expert Care Donor support has long helped strengthen oncology services at McLaren Northern Michigan, bringing advanced technology, supportive resources and specialized care that patients need and want to northern Michigan. As cancer care continues to evolve, philanthropy is helping to ensure our clinical teams keep pace with the newest treatment options and equipment. In Radiation Oncology, board-certified physicians Dr. Isaac Kaufman (pictured far right) and Dr. Pedro Zamora (pictured right) use specialized equipment to develop and deliver precise, individualized plans for treating cancer. From imaging that helps map a tumor to equipment that delivers pin point radiation therapy, these tools play an essential role in each patient’s treatment.

After serving thousands of patients, some of these vital tools are nearing the end of their useful life, including a Computed Tomography (CT) simulator that is 14 years old. With the help of generous donors, Radiation Oncology will be receiving a new CT Simulator with advanced 4D imaging to create individualized treatment plans that accurately target cancer while protecting healthy tissue. Faster scans and enhanced image clarity support more efficient planning while improving the patient experience. Looking ahead, plans are underway to replace the aging linear accelerator and enhance the Radiation Oncology Unit, helping ensure patients continue to have access to advanced radiation therapy close to home.

"We are proud to provide patients with the confidence that their care is guided by state-of-the-art technology designed to deliver exceptional treatment outcomes. By bringing this level of innovation to Northern Michigan, we help ensure patients can receive top-tier cancer care without leaving their community." - Dr. Pedro Zamora

You can help. Philanthropy has built strong momentum, and continued donor support will help bring these important advancements in cancer to completion.

McLaren.org/NorthernMichiganFoundation | (231) 487-3500

Expanding Care Beyond Cancer For decades, our Radiation Oncology team has been helping patients fight cancer with advanced technology and medical expertise. Today, they’re also helping people find relief from chronic joint pain. Introduced in 2022 and led by Dr. Kaufman (pictured right), low-dose radiation therapy offers a new option for patients living with osteoarthritis and other painful inflammatory conditions that create discomfort, limit mobility, and affect quality of life. Since the service became available, more than 100 patients have experienced reduced pain in their hands, feet, knees, and other joints. By easing pain and improving movement, this innovative therapy is helping patients enjoy a better quality of life.

“It's exciting to see radiation oncology expand beyond cancer care to help people reduce pain, improve function, and get back to activities they love. The treatment consists of 6 sessions, lasting about 10 minutes each, over the course of 2-3 weeks. There is no downtime or recovery period, so patients can continue all of their daily activities without limitation. Our hope is that this approach can provide another option for patients who have not found adequate relief from more traditional treatments.” - Dr. Isaac Kaufman PERSONAL, PATIENT-CENTERED CARE Recognized as essential members of multidisciplinary cancer teams delivering patient-centered care, Oncology Nurse Navigators provide guidance throughout a patient’s journey. They help explain in clear terms clinical diagnoses and treatments, coordinate appointments across units, including radiation therapy, and provide education through individualized support — helping patients overcome barriers to care to improve health outcomes. We welcome Rachel Smith, RN, who recently joined Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan as a Nurse Navigator supporting patients with head, neck, or lung cancers (pictured left). Gifts to the Foundation have helped launch impactful programs, including Oncology Nurse Navigator positions. 360 Connable Avenue, Petoskey, MI 49770

FAMILY MEDICINE: NEXT GENERATION Rural Training Track Develops Physicians in Northern Michigan Family medicine is an important health care service that centers on easily accessible preventive and acute care. As rural health care continually changes to meet the needs of communities across Michigan, family medicine physicians are crucial to creating healthy communities. Generous donor support of the Foundation ensures that significant investments in training and education help build a pipeline of talented physicians to provide family medicine in our community. Launched in 2023, the Family Medicine Rural Training Track brings resident physicians to northern Michigan for training while experiencing what it’s like to practice medicine in a rural community. The program is designed to recruit and retain physicians that choose to stay in our community after their residency is complete. The unique experience of practicing medicine in rural communities is critical to solidifying a talented team of physicians that will take care of our community for decades to come. Strengthening Family Medicine From the first cohort hosted by McLaren Northern Michigan, Dr. Kenneth Verbos (pictured below) remained in northern Michigan to practice family medicine at McLaren Northern Michigan MedCenter—South. He is joined by Dr. Anna Carman of the program’s second cohort, who finished her residency in the spring of 2026 and begins practicing in October (pictured above right). Dr. Carman is now scheduling new patients.

Both Dr. Verbos and Dr. Carman are certified by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, a credential for providing evidence-based, patient-centered care that addresses the root causes of chronic disease. Through the training, physicians and practitioners are equipped with the knowledge, credibility, and support to deliver meaningful whole-person care for patients of every background.

McLaren.org/NorthernMichiganFoundation | (231) 487-3500

This year, three physicians joined McLaren Northern Michigan as second-year residents: Dr. Abida Batool (pictured left) lends international experience to her new role as a Family Medicine resident in northern Michigan. She has a strong commitment to serving communities with limited access to care and a passion for prevention, education, and community-based health care. Dr. Batool is currently seeing patients at the Mitchell Park Family Medicine Clinic. She is a member of the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America, American Medical Association, and Imamia Medics International.

Dr. W. Vince Pacatang (pictured right) is originally from Indiana, where he completed his education before entering the residency program and arriving in Petoskey. Dr. Pacatang has a special interest in patient-centered care that strengthens long-term community health and improves health outcomes in underserved communities. He holds current memberships with the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, and American Osteopathic Association.

Dr. Jennifer Felix (pictured left) matched with the Tribal Health Track, a collaboration of McLaren Northern Michigan and Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Dr. Felix is deeply committed to health equity and culturally responsive care. As a first-generation Latina physician, she is passionate about building trust-based relationships and improving access to care for underserved communities. Residents play an important role in our health system, meeting the needs of patients while gaining hands-on experience in a rural community. The program will expand in 2027 to include first-year residents that can complete the entire three-year residency requirement in northern Michigan. This allows the potential to host twelve residents annually, further expanding family medicine at McLaren Northern Michigan. In the spring, an annual golf outing raises funds for the program while strengthening connections across current and former McLaren Northern Michigan clinical staff. In 2026, the golf outing raised more than $11,000 and it continues to grow each year thanks to the sponsors and participants who make the event possible. Reach out to the Foundation team to learn how to get involved with the 2027 fundraiser, scheduled for Thursday, June 3rd at Boyne Highlands. (Pictured right: 2026 tournament winners.) 360 Connable Avenue, Petoskey, MI 49770

ENHANCING CARDIAC HEALTH IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN A New Electrophysiology Mapping System Elevates Care As part of the ongoing commitment to advance innovative health care in northern Michigan, donors have made significant investments in leading-edge technology and equipment for the electrophysiology (EP) lab at the McLaren Northern Michigan Petoskey campus, led by Dr. Naomi Overton. In the last year, more than $360,000 was raised to support a new EP mapping system that offers advanced imaging and a precise, targeted approach to cardiovascular care. Electrophysiology focuses on the heart’s electrical system, which controls the timing of heartbeats. A specialized mapping system creates a detailed view of the heart’s electrical signals, helping physicians precisely identify and treat rhythm irregularities through procedures such as ablation and device implantation. “This technology allows us to see and understand the heart’s electrical activity with an extraordinary level of detail. Most importantly, it gives us another powerful tool to provide our patients with more precise, personalized care –right here in northern Michigan.” - Dr. Naomi Overton Dr. Overton has already begun using the new mapping system to treat patients from across our community. She brings more than 20 years of cardiovascular specialization to her role, delivering care with accuracy, steadiness, and understanding. Her expertise in EP mapping and procedures is a critical component of providing exceptional cardiovascular care right here in northern Michigan. Dr. Overton will be joined by a second EP physician this fall, Dr. Kevin Driver, expanding the EP lab’s capacity to serve patients with specialized, high-quality care.

McLaren.org/NorthernMichiganFoundation | (231) 487-3500

WILL OR TRUST? PLANNING TODAY FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST Foundation Trustee Maggie Steffy, J.D. Shares Practical Planned Gift Insight As an attorney with experience in estate planning, I’m often asked: “Do I need a will, a trust, or both?” The right choice depends on your family, your assets, your goals, and the kind of legacy you want to leave. But at its heart, estate planning is about caring for the people you love, protecting what you’ve built, and making thoughtful decisions to leave a legacy that reflects your values.

Foundation Trustee Maggie Steffy, J.D.

What a Will Can Do: A will is a foundational estate planning document to designate who will receive your property at your passing, appoint someone to carry out your wishes and, if you have minor children, name a guardian to care for them. A will is often a good fit for individuals or families who want a clear, straightforward plan for distributing assets and naming trusted decision-makers. It can also be an easy way to leave a charitable gift to a nonprofit organization – you can choose to leave a specific dollar amount or percentage of your estate to a specified charity or charities.

What a Trust Can Do: A trust is an estate planning tool that can provide added flexibility, privacy, and control. With a trust, you can place your assets under the care of a trustee to be managed and distributed according to your instructions. Many choose to use a trust so their loved ones can avoid the time, expense, and public nature of probate proceedings, simplify administration, and allow gifts to be distributed over time. A trust may be especially helpful if you own property in more than one state, want greater privacy, or would like more detailed instructions for how and when assets are used. Trusts, like wills, can include charitable provisions to support the causes you care about. Which One Is Right for You? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The answer will depend on the amount and types of assets you own, your estate planning goals, and your personal situation. The most important step is to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney who can help you understand your options and create a plan that reflects your personal, financial, and charitable goals. Your attorney can also help you decide how to include a planned gift in a way that best fits your wishes.

A Legacy of Care Close to Home For many donors, a planned gift from your will or trust is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to make a lasting difference. It does not require an immediate out-of-pocket contribution, and it can be adjusted if your circumstances change. Most importantly, it allows you to extend your care for this community far into the future. If you have questions or would like more information about making a planned gift, please contact Planned Giving Officer Denise Dundon at 231-487-3500, or denise.dundon@mclaren.org. We would be glad to provide helpful information for you and your attorney as you consider your options. If you have already included McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation in your estate plan, please let us know! We would welcome the opportunity to thank you, honor your intentions, and recognize your generosity in a way that feels right to you. 360 Connable Avenue, Petoskey, MI 49770

360 Connable Avenue Petoskey, MI 49770

KEEPING KIDS ACTIVE Recently, donor support helped replace a large playground structure at the Child Development Center at our Petoskey campus to provide a safe, age-appropriate outdoor play environment for young children attending the program. Outdoor play is a crucial activity for children, to help develop gross motor skills, improve concentration, and minimize stress. The center serves the community, including McLaren Northern Michigan staff members of every department, ensuring kids have a place to stay active and healthy.