McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation

09/04/2025

We're expanding our Orthopedic Services at the Cheboygan Campus by adding a state-of-the-art OrthoScan mini C-Arm. This compact imaging system provides real-time X-rays during surgery, enhancing precision and efficiency for extremity procedures.

Thanks to our generous donors, this technology minimizes radiation exposure and saves valuable time by allowing surgeons to operate it directly—no more waiting for radiology staff!

And there's more: we're also funding a second mini C-Arm for Petoskey! 💙

Visit mclaren.org to learn more about how you can support the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation and make a difference in our community.

09/03/2025

Generous gifts to the Breast Health Fund have made a significant impact by allowing us to purchase a new breast coil pad for MRIs! 🎉 This specialized pad enhances comfort and ensures proper positioning during breast MRI exams, crucial for individuals with dense breast tissue or identified areas of concern.

Our dedicated imaging team conducts an average of five of these important scans each week. A heartfelt thank you to all our donors who support the Breast Health Fund! 💖 Learn more about how you can contribute at mclaren.org.

09/02/2025

For the past 19 years, Greg and Stacey Renker have generously donated gift bags filled with pampering and self-care items for our incredible nurses during National Nurses Week. On behalf of our 650+ nurses and everyone who relies on them—whether as colleagues, patients, or loved ones—we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Renkers for their thoughtful support. Pictured here are our Cath Lab nurses, all smiles as they receive their well-deserved gift bags! 💖👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

08/28/2025

Over the years, the Fisher Family has profoundly impacted our hospital through their leadership and generosity. 🌟 In 2011, Walter was honored with the Jack Clark Philanthropy and Service Award, followed by Elise in 2015. Together, they have dedicated over 40 years of service as board trustees! We are grateful for their unwavering support. ❤️ Pictured from left to right: Walter, Elise, and Sis Fisher.

08/27/2025

Thanks to a generous Hattie Hannah Keeney Trust grant, we're expanding pediatric rehabilitation services at the McLaren Cheboygan Campus! This support allows us to enhance therapy for children facing developmental delays and disabilities. 🧩✨

With new toys, learning obstacles, art supplies, and games, we're helping kids reach important milestones through play while promoting balance and agility. We're proud to provide vital therapy services closer to home for families in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, Cheboygan, and Presque Isle counties.

Visit mclaren.org to learn how you can support the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation and make a difference in our community.

Photographed: Physical therapist TJ Rogalla with a pediatric rehabilitation patient using new equipment.

08/27/2025

Welcome to the McLaren Northern Michigan Family, Dr. Ryan Ber!

We're thrilled to introduce our newest Interventional Cardiologist at McLaren Heart & Vascular Institute in Petoskey!

Dr. Ber brings advanced expertise in minimally invasive treatments for coronary artery disease, blood clots, and blocked arteries - expanding our leading-edge cardiac care right here in Northern Michigan.

Dr. Ber chose our beautiful region for both its natural beauty and the opportunity to serve our tight-knit community. With his extensive training from Temple University Hospital and Henry Ford Health, he's dedicated to communication, shared decision-making, and keeping patients informed every step of the way.

When he's not caring for patients, you might find Dr. Ber hiking our trails, skiing our slopes, or enjoying a round of golf!

Welcome to Northern Michigan, Dr. Ber! 💙

08/26/2025

A heartfelt thank you to the Petoskey Northmen Hockey team and their amazing supporters for their generous contributions to help Northern Michigan oncology patients! Your kindness makes a difference in our community. 💙

Want to join in supporting McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation? Learn more about how you can help: https://www.mclaren.org/northern-michigan-foundation/ways-to-give-mclaren-northern-michigan-foundation

🏒❤️

08/21/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Patrick O'Callaghan for receiving a Guardian Angel. Award.

Nominate a caregiver today by visiting
https://www.mclaren.org/northern-michigan-foundation/honor-a-caregiver-northern-michigan-foundation.

🌟 Congratulations, Dr. Patrick O’Callaghan! 🌟

We're delighted to celebrate Dr. Patrick O'Callaghan for receiving a Guardian Angel Award, a special honor made possible through a heartfelt gift from a grateful patient family.

Dr. O'Callaghan was recognized for his exceptional care of a young patient who required complex elbow fracture repair. The nominating family shared their heartfelt appreciation:

“Dr. O’Callaghan was truly exceptional. He skillfully repaired my daughter’s complicated elbow fracture with outstanding surgical precision—the results speak for themselves. Beyond his technical expertise, his bedside manner with kids is unmatched. He made my daughter feel comfortable and cared for every step of the way. We were seen quickly in his office, and he even stayed late to operate on his birthday. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication, compassion, and expertise. We are lucky to have him in Northern Michigan!”

Thank you, Dr. O'Callaghan, for your unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to our community! We're proud to have you as part of our McLaren Northern Michigan family.

Learn more about our Guardian Angel Program: https://mclarenhealthcare.org/4lP9AU0

08/11/2025

PETOSKEY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU)— McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey has received a significant boost in its cardiac care capabilities with a nearly $2 million do

08/05/2025

McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation receives a generous gift from The Farmer Family Foundation to expand cardiovascular care!

McLaren Northern Michigan is the beneficiary of a generous $1.875 million grant from The Farmer Foundation and its Trustees Joyce Farmer, Bob Coletti, Scott and Mary Farmer, Amy and George Joseph, and Kendell C. Mountain.

The funds will support the renovation of one of the three cardiac catheterization labs at McLaren Northern Michigan, a move that significantly advances the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class cardiac care to northern Michigan. The increased capacity will also enable the hospital to add a fourth interventional cardiologist.

As the region’s leading provider of advanced cardiovascular care, these substantial funds will fully upgrade and improve the third cardiac cath lab, boosting care capacity and expanding access to critical heart care.

“Expanding our cardiology team and services continues to be a top priority,” said Gar Atchison, McLaren Northern Michigan President and CEO. “A third cath lab will allow us to meet the growing needs of our community with greater speed, precision, and compassion. We are deeply grateful to The Farmer Family Foundation Trustees for their visionary support.”

Performing more than 3,000 procedures in its cardiac cath lab every year, McLaren Northern Michigan is routinely recognized for its expertise and proficiency in cardiovascular care, having been named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by Fortune and PINC, while also being recognized as ‘High Performing’ by US News & World Report for the heart team’s excellence in its care of heart attacks, heart arrythmias, and heart bypass surgery.

Renovations are expected to be completed next year.

05/06/2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Since opening in 2023, the Justin A. Borra Behavioral Health Center on the McLaren Cheboygan Campus has provided inpatient care to over 540 patients. This critical resource was made possible through 350 generous donors who supported access to mental health services in northern Michigan. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

04/22/2025

Tim Lagasse, a trauma surgical nurse practitioner, is dedicated to organ donation at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey. He works with grieving families, Gift of Life and healthcare teams to honor the decisions of registered donors and help teams overcome barriers.

Tim actively promotes awareness, inviting donor families to events and educating colleagues on important donation procedures. He supports honor walks and ensures meaningful experiences for grieving families. Tim’s commitment to patients, families and the donation process makes him a true champion, providing compassionate care and honoring those who give the gift of life.

Congratulations to Tim, who will be honored with the Nurse Practitioner Award at this year’s Champions Gala for his unwavering dedication to organ donation and his compassionate care for donor families.