Cancer survivor celebrating, raising funds at Sparrow Gala

Mike Souders, cancer survivor

Published: Feb. 18, 2013

When Mike Souders was diagnosed with cancer in June 2010, he decided Sparrow was the right place for him to seek treatment - after all, he was born here.

Souders, 58, will be among the guests at the Annual Sparrow Gala, which will benefit the Sparrow Cancer Center and the continued delivery of exceptional Patient care in the region. Souders, who lives in Bath Springs, Tenn. and Howell, initially considered traveling to seek treatment, but the Sparrow Cancer Center won him over with its compassionate Caregivers and exceptional services.

"I have a lot of trust in Sparrow because I've been there a number of times," he said. "I was just convinced that Sparrow was right for me, and in hindsight it was a great decision."

Souders, Chief Operating Officer of Logicalis US, a Michigan-based information technology services company, has been cancer-free for two years. He said Sparrow's ability to provide all of the care he needed here in mid-Michigan allowed him to continue working throughout his treatment.

"I had a great experience with a totally miserable situation," he said. "Sparrow has really great people, and everyone treats you really, really well."

The Annual Sparrow Gala includes dancing and casino-style gaming, a wide array of elegant dining selections and our first-ever raffle.

"Not only does the Gala support a good cause, it is an elegant evening of food and fun," said Shela Dubenion-Smith, Development Director for the Sparrow Foundation. "The funds raised from the event will be used toward equipment, clinical trials and other projects that will have a direct benefit for our Patients."

The Annual Sparrow Gala will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, at the University Club of Michigan State University. For tickets and more information, call 517.364.5680 or visit sparrow.org/gala.