How an Antrim County Group is Making A Difference for Those Facing Breast Cancer

It is the fourth of the month and that means it's time to call your buddy as a reminder to do a self breast exam. It's also time for this month's Buddy Check report.

In recent years, there's been a lot of research into the healing properties of tea. But in Antrim County, tea is taking a more hands on approach in the fight against breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Survivor Susie Clovis says, "I moved to the area and went for my 1st annual mammogram and they saw something that wasn't quite right."

What they saw was cancer. Something that was never in the plan when Susie Clovis moved to Bellaire last fall and purchased the All Seasons Motel. This as a small business owner with no insurance while the economy screeching to a halt

Clovis says, "Just a panic. I have 3 young children and trying to run a business and knowing I was sick. What could I do, who could I turn to? We didn't know anyone here. I made a phone call and they were right there with me."

Lynch says, "She called me. She was worried she was scared and I said, Susie, We'll take care of it. We'll walk you all the way through this."

And they did. Dee Lynch and the 200 volunteers with the Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention. Since 2004 they've been holding beautiful teas because of one ugly truth.

Founder Dee Lynch says, "Antrim County unfortunately has the highest mortality rate of any county in the state of Michigan so the need is tremendous."

But thanks to Dee and her team, what started as a lovely little affair with less than 40 ladies, has grown into several events with hundreds of supporters. And wide community support even in a tough economy.

Lynch says, "it comes from the heart. It's very interesting. In 2008, we went around to different businesses and they chose not to give and then we went back to some of those same people in 2009 with the economy even worse in 2009 and just in that 1st year they had been touched by a relative, a neighbor, a church member, and yes, Antrim County steps up to the plate. These people are wonderful."

All of the money raised goes to cover the costs of things like mammograms, biopsies, gas cards to get to appointments, and even wigs during chemo for the uninsured and underserved of Antrim County.

This year alone they've helped more than 200 people.

For Dee the fight is personal.

Lynch says, "Unfortunately 10 years ago I lost a daughter to breast cancer and I didn't want to live after that event. She was my first born. But you know the lord just picked me up and plunked me down and said you have a mission to do."

Lynch says "our mission is absolutely to save lives."

Clovis says, "They were just wonderful, I don't know where I'd be without them. They just saved my life."

Dee Lynch and all of the volunteers with the Antrim County High Tea are true inspirations. And that's not just my opinion. In fact, recently the Michigan Public Health Agency awarded the group with its prestigious "Public Health Community Achievement Award." Congratulations! If you would like to learn more about the group click here. And if you know of other groups making a difference, we want to hear about them, leave your thoughts below.