Munson Healthcare Celebrates Ashley Ochoa’s Statewide Recognition as Hometown Health Hero

Munson Healthcare Celebrates Ashley Ochoa’s Statewide Recognition as Hometown Health Hero

Traverse City, MI — Munson Healthcare is proud to celebrate Ashley Ochoa, Coordinator of Coding Operations for the Oncology Service Line at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, who has been awarded the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Hometown Health Hero Award. Ashley’s recognition reflects not only her own extraordinary leadership, but the deeply rooted tradition of compassion and innovation that defines Munson Healthcare — a tradition carried forward in recent years by fellow Hometown Health Hero recipients Paul Bock and Tammie Budrow, whose commitment to community service helped set the standard Ashley now continues.

Ashley was nominated for her development of Fuel for Recovery, a program she created after witnessing firsthand the burdens patients with cancer face during long infusion therapies. Many patients travel great distances across northern Michigan for four-to-six-hour treatment sessions, some of which are challenged by food insecurity.

Through Fuel for Recovery, patients receive nutrient dense meals during extended infusion sessions, helping them maintain strength and tolerate treatment more effectively. The program also provides personalized grocery coordination, with oncology nutritionists helping patients select foods that meet cancer supportive dietary needs through local store apps, ensuring convenience, dignity, and individualized care.

Since launching in April 2025, Fuel for Recovery has delivered more than 390 meals through Oryana’s Sprout Café at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, improving patients’ physical resilience and easing the emotional strain of treatment.

“Ashley’s work on the Fuel for Recovery program is an inspiring example of how innovation, compassion, and collaboration come together to directly improve the lives of our patients, said Kathy LaRaia Interim President, Munson Medical Center; Vice President, Oncology & Professional Services. “Her dedication reflects the very best of Munson Healthcare — a relentless commitment to meeting people where they are and removing barriers so they can focus on healing. We are incredibly proud of Ashley and grateful for the positive impact she continues to make across our cancer care community.”

What began as Ashley’s idea quickly became a meaningful support system for patients. By bringing together community partners and securing sustainable resources, she designed a program that delivers both practical support and dignity of care. In addition to its local impact, Ashley’s expertise now informs broader statewide initiatives addressing food insecurity among cancer patients.

Ashley’s award embodies this mission: a testament to how individual compassion, supported by systemwide commitment, can transform care for some of the region’s most vulnerable patients. Munson Healthcare is honored to celebrate Ashley’s exceptional achievement and proud to stand alongside the many heroes — past, present, and future — who make our organization and our community stronger.