HOUGHTON LAKE- Susan McLeod of Houghton Lake, learned earlier this year, that a friend had been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and wanted to help.
Her friend, Tina Rizzotto Borchers, works at the Hairloft in Houghton Lake, as an Eshetician, a licensed professional who specializes in skincare through non-medical treatments. Borchers received her training through Kirtland Community college and began working at the Hairloft in 2017.
Diagnosed in January of 2025, Borchers completed her chemo treatments in October.
Borchers, a Roscommon resident, is awaiting word from the oncologist as to when surgery for a double mastectomy will take place. Following that procedure, Borchers will be off work for at least two months.
Insurance is currently covering medical costs. Expenses incurred by lost work, due to the surgery, doctor and hospital visits, and providing for her family, are out of pocket.
Borchers’ two teenage sons, Walker and Mason, attend Roscommon High School, participate in football and other activities at Roscommon. Walker was crowned 2025 Roscommon Homecoming King.
It is estimated that mastectomy surgery costs generally range between $15,000-$55,000, and a year of chemo treatments up to $48,000.
McLeod, owner of Love N’ Links Permanent Jewelry, decided to do a fundraiser to help Borchers with any continuing expenses, not covered by insurance.
Since October was Breast Cancer Awareness month, she has given 20% of her sales between October 14-30, towards Tina’s care. Those dates may be extended.
Cash donations are also being accepted at the Hairloft in Houghton Lake -5073 W. Houghton Lake Dr. or contact Susan McLeod at [email protected] or 616-717-2177.
