Wellness Center:   231.592.1034     Home    About Us    One to Many     All About Us           One to Many (historical) It's Different Now From One - My Story Finding Others You Aren't Alone           Mission Statements           Goals   Our Advisory Boards           Fund Advisory Board           Medical Advisory Board   Press Room           News/Events   Contact Us           Wheatlake Center           Wheatlake Fund           Email Changes           Print Materials           Online Shop           Privacy Policy     Donate Now        All About Us   From One to Many – Why the Wheatlake Center It’s Different Now They demolished, they constructed, they plumbed, they wired, they painted, they made cabinets, they laid carpeting, they walked, they golfed, they wrote checks, they brainstormed - whatever it took - someone always stepped forward and made it happen - all with one goal in mind. The steadfast generosity of countless volunteers who gave willingly of their talents, their time and their resources made the Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Center a reality for women, men, children and caregivers! On October 30, 2008, we opened the doors to a new resource in our region to help those individuals whose lives are affected by a cancer diagnosis. The community who assembled their talents and abilities to create the Wheatlake Center gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating their collected achievements and remembering those family and friends impacted by cancer. And for me, the Center’s opening was especially meaningful. I wanted to empower those facing a cancer diagnosis. I was determined that no one should have to feel as despondent, fearful and lost as I had. I’m Susan Wheatlake and I’m a cancer survivor. From One – My Story In early fall of 2005, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. From the moment my doctor gave me the results of my tests, the word “cancer” became all consuming. I began what would be the greatest challenge of my life, both emotionally and physically. When friends and family spoke to me, I’d respond as best as I could, but truthfully everything seemed surreal and unbelievable. My diagnosis snapped me back to reality when I saw the fear in the eyes of my family. My next doctor’s appointment was a little over two weeks away. There were so many questions. Two weeks seemed like forever. I didn’t know if I was capable of waiting that long. My fears tainted my thoughts. I started to blame myself for my condition. Could it have been the food that I ate or even the air that I breathed? My mother died from ovarian cancer and all but one of my relatives from the previous two generations had been diagnosed with some type of cancer. Why hadn’t I prepared myself? I was afraid and I was angry. I read and reread my biopsy report. The only word that made sense to me was “invasive” and that terrified me. I wondered if I’d have another Christmas with my family. Would I be here for the important milestone events in the lives of my children? My husband’s eyes told me that he, too, could not fully grasp our situation. How could I bring some normalcy to our lives and keep my situation from consuming us? I didn’t know how. My response was to try and keep it together until my next doctor’s appointment. And that wasn’t enough. One day a friend called and suggested that I read a particular book. I took her advice and it changed my life. I read and reread it. I went back to the bookstore and bought more books on breast cancer. My reading helped me to begin to understand my situation and my options. Slowly but surely I was strengthening myself emotionally to fight a battle for my life. When my husband and I had our first consultation with my oncologist, we were knowledgeable enough to talk with a specialist and empowered enough to ask questions. Finding Others Throughout my cancer journey, I found that I wasn’t alone. I realized that information in making decisions about cancer treatment is critical. Our experience with a cancer diagnosis prompted my husband and me, along with the encouragement and support of Mecosta County Medical Center and its Foundation, to initiate the Susan P. Wheatlake Women’s Cancer and Wellness Fund. The Wheatlake Fund supports the volunteer-staffed Center which offers information on different cancers as well as computer access for on-line research. Books can be checked out by anyone who is interested in learning more about cancer. Other services, such as the Wellness Boutique and activities, such as our annual Wellness Walk, sponsored by the Center provide cancer patients and their families with emotional, medical, physical and financial support. All resources and services of the Wheatlake Center are free. The Wheatlake Fund is championed by a volunteer advisory board representing all segments of our region. To establish and maintain this key cancer and wellness resource, all efforts will be focused to reach the Center-sustaining goal of $2 million. You Aren’t Alone At the Wheatlake Center you will find the safe harbor that is so important to cancer patients and their families. Volunteers provide an overview of resources and services to enlighten, encourage and empower those seeking cancer and wellness information and support. I cordially invite everyone to visit The Wheatlake Center Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday each week from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. or other times by appointment. The Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Center is located in the Professional Office Building just east of the main entrance to Mecosta County Medical Center at 705 Oak Street, Big Rapids. Our pink Leadership Mecosta Year of the Dawg statue, “Hope”, welcomes visitors at our entrance. Knowledge is empowering. Please help us spread the word. For more information or to donate to the Wheatlake Fund, please contact Tom Hogenson, MCMC Foundation Executive Director at 231.592.4409 or Debra Jacks, MCMC Director of Planned Giving at 231.592.4327. Click: Mission Statements Goals   Back to top      The Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Center is a free comprehensive cancer resource and referral system, wellness network and support center providing assistance to women, men, children, families and caregivers. The Wheatlake Center is a part of Mecosta County Medical Center and is supported by the Susan P. Wheatlake Women's Cancer and Wellness Fund which is an endowed fund that is held and managed by the Mecosta County Medical Center Foundation, a non-profit organization 501(c)3.