Roam for Good Award
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Editor’s note: Each month, The Munising Beacon and the Roam Community Foundation honor a local resident whose dedication and quiet leadership make Alger County a stronger, more connected place to live. For the month of October, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Danielle Beverly, co-founder of The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation, as a continued nod to her tireless work in supporting our neighbors battling cancer.
By Ana-Marija Dolaskie
Roam Community Foundation
Few stories shine as brightly as that of Danielle Beverly: a Munising native, star athlete and cancer survivor with a storied past. Diagnosed with breast cancer four times, including during her pregnancy at just 33, life doubled down on Danielle while she was navigating universal milestones like motherhood and schooling.
After beating cancer for the second time, she, along with her husband, transformed her own story into a powerful force for good: The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation, which has become a lifeline for cancer patients in Alger County. By removing financial barriers to treatment, the foundation ensures that no one has to choose between fighting for their life and putting food on the table.
In closure of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Danielle is being recognized with the Roam for Good Award — a tribute to her unwavering commitment to easing the hidden burdens that plague our neighbors while undergoing cancer treatment.
Danielle’s deep connection to Alger County drives the foundation’s mission.
“The big thing that I like is just how our community has embraced what we do,” she said. “I always tell people our family name is on the nonprofit, but it belongs to all of us because the community is what keeps us going.”
The foundation’s work began in Atlanta after a visit to an oncology center sparked the realization of the urgent need for support.
“I always thought we needed to do something up north,” she said.
Her roots in Alger County, where she read about local fundraisers in The Munising News sent by her parents, fueled her determination.
“This is back in the day when my mom and dad would mail the newspaper to me. And there was always something about a spaghetti feed or a bake sale — something for somebody that was undergoing some type of medical treatment, and a lot of times it was cancer,” she said. “I always knew there was a need, because I knew how expensive [cancer treatment] is.”
Her hands-on advocacy reflects this mindset, ensuring that every dollar raised supports patients in tangible ways — fast and impactful.
“There’s a diagnosis and there’s a cure, but there’s every day in between that,” Danielle said. “People are living with cancer and are trying to go to work, put food on their table and provide for their family. They don’t want to hear about the cure. They want to make it to tomorrow.”
The sentiment is amplified by the hundreds of people who show up for Stake the Lake, an annual community walk and memorial fundraiser that lines Munising’s streets with personalized stakes honoring survivors and loved ones lost to cancer.
Danielle’s father, Bob Tiernan, has been a quiet but steadfast supporter, his garage often overflowing with essentials during Stake the Lake preparations. It’s one way, he said, to offset the emotional toll of watching your child, no matter how young or old, battle cancer.
“Every time she calls, you wonder if something happened,” Bob said. “But I’m very proud of her and what she’s accomplished and still does.”
Danielle notes that donations to The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation, even as small as $10, directly support neighbors in need, whether it be fuel cards to get to appointments or lodging for extended stays. So far, they’ve been successful at maintaining minimal overhead to ensure funds don’t spill into keeping the lights on or covering other administrative costs.
Beyond financial support, Danielle’s impact is deeply personal, which stems largely from her own experiences. From wrestling with insurance claims to managing medical paperwork, she became a wealth of knowledge on overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. She said she finds profound joy in guiding others through this red tape, helping patients access care without the added stress of administrative barriers.
“I always remind people that you have to be your own advocate because you’re not the doctor’s only patient,” Danielle said. “I really try to help people take control and ownership.”
As we celebrate Danielle’s recognition with the Roam for Good Award, her story reminds us that true strength lies in lifting others as we rise out of adversity. As is the case with all of our honorees, Danielle doesn’t want the credit. It’s for us — the community, she said.
“I don’t do things for recognition,” she said. “My mom always helped people. My dad was the GOAT — he was a volunteer firefighter for nearly 40 years. The servant’s heart is in my family.”
And our small town is stronger for it.
Know someone who’s quietly making big things happen? The Munising Beacon and Roam Community Foundation recognize everyday change makers whose dedication keeps our local traditions alive and thriving.
Next month, we’ll be honoring local fundraising champions who tirelessly rally support to raise funds for a cause that uplifts their community. Have someone in mind? Email news@munisingbeaconmedia.com, and stay tuned for the next Roam for Good Award.