Community Corner

Community Rallies for Widowed Mother Battling Cancer

Community raises more than $25,000 for Joanne Savage.

The Plymouth-Canton community has rallied behind one of its own, Joanne Savage of Canton.

A widow and mother of three Plymouth-Canton students, Colin, Jack and Nolan, Savage was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Peritonei Carcinoma. Pat Savage, Joanne's husband and the boys' father, succumbed to Esophageal Cancer in November 2011.

To date, the community has chipped in more than $25,000 for the Savage family, and supporters turned out in droves Saturday at Real BarBQ in Canton to boost donations and offer support, according to Wendy Fayne, a spokeswoman for Real BarBQ.

Find out what's happening in Plymouth-Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Fayne, the Canton Fire Department attended the event and donated $1,000, and Detroit Lions legend Charlie Sanders donated $1,000 and offered three autographed footballs for the Savage children, as well as a signed jersey for Savage's oldest son, Colin, who wears Sanders' No. 88 jersey for Salem High School.

Sanders also is taking the Savage family to a Detroit Lions home game as his guests in a suite at Ford Field, Fayne said.

Find out what's happening in Plymouth-Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Donations poured in from around Michigan, as well. One business owner gave Joanne a gift card for a new washer and dryer, Fayne said, and a Clarkston couple gave Joanne Savage a $500 gas card and is paying the Savage family's utility bills for the next six months.

Joanne Savage has previously said she is thrilled with the support offered by her community.

'I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of support for my family in this very challenging time," she said. "I will always have a special place in my heart for all of those who have supported us."

Dave Ebner, owner of Real BarBQ, said he is proud of the support his community has offered for the Savage family.

"We live in a community which cares greatly about others and there is no greater privilege than helping those who are in need," Ebner said. "Joanne Savage and her family are wonderful people and on behalf of Real BarBQ, we pray for Joanne's full recovery."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here