In just six months, your support changed Amanda LaCombe’s life. 

Amanda has always been a caregiver at heart. After high school, she pursued nursing, but family responsibilities forced her to put her education on hold. Over the years, she raised a family, helped run a business with her husband, and worked in various roles, including as a pharmacy technician, always looking for ways to support those around her.

Her journey back to healthcare took a pivotal turn when her husband suffered a stroke. Recognizing the signs, Amanda acted quickly and called 911 to get him the emergency care he needed, ultimately saving his life. That moment reignited her passion for medicine. She wanted a career where she could make a difference.

North Central’s Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Fast Track program was exactly what she needed — a short, intensive program that would get her career-ready in just six months. But without financial assistance, it felt out of reach.

Then she received a donor-funded scholarship.

Amanda thrived in the program, encouraging her classmates with her humor and finding creative ways to help them retain critical information. She earned her CMA certificate and is now working as an ophthalmic scribe at Associated Retinal Consultants, PC, in Petoskey — a role where she uses her skills to make a difference every day.

“Without your support, I wouldn’t have had this chance. It truly changed my life,” Amanda shared. “Thank you for believing in people like me who want to build a better life for themselves and for providing the opportunity to do so.”

Your generosity makes Fast Track programs accessible. Because of you, students like Amanda can access career-ready education, find stable employment, and strengthen our community. Thank you for investing in their futures.