Foundation Achieves Fundraising Goal for Mammography Campaign

Bluewater Health Foundation is thrilled to announce a significant gift from Mrs. Patricia Carter on behalf of her late husband Ernest and their family. This generous donation will support Bluewater Health Foundation’s current campaign to purchase two new state of the art mammography machines for Bluewater Health. Patricia’s gift, coupled with the incredible support of the Sarnia-Lambton community via donations, attendance at events and a sold out Dream Home lottery, has enabled the Foundation to achieve its $1.1 million dollar fundraising goal.

Mrs. Carter’s gift was inspired by both her previous experience as a nurse and her own daughter, who is a breast cancer survivor. “Donating to this very worthwhile fund is my way of giving back to the community. Updated mammography equipment is a major step towards early detection of breast cancer. I am happy to be a part of this effort” shared Patricia Carter.

“The generosity of the Sarnia-Lambton never ceases to amaze me. We are proud and honoured that so many in our community contributed to this very important campaign. Donations of all sizes, attendance at one of our special events and the purchase of Dream Home tickets all made a difference and helped us to realize our goal” said Kathy Alexander, Executive Director, Bluewater Health Foundation. “We are so thankful to Patricia for this significant gift that has such a tremendous impact and will benefit so many women in the Sarnia-Lambton community.”

The Mammography Department at Bluewater Health provides over 12,000 mammograms a year to women in Sarnia-Lambton and surrounding counties. Hardworking technologists and volunteers aim to create an environment where patients feel as comfortable as possible. Part of creating this environment includes ensuring that equipment is current and in good working order to provide accurate diagnosis. Such as is for all technology, new innovation provides enhanced features and improved performance. A new innovation in mammography equipment is digital tomosynthesis. Tomosynthesis (pronounced toh-moh-SIN-thah-sis) produces a 3D image of the breast, and can be used as a follow up to a standard mammogram in challenging cases when the breast tissue is very dense or there is an area of concern. Since its development, this technology has been utilized and relied upon in such organizations as the Mayo Clinic.  Another innovation in mammography equipment is contrast enhanced imaging. A dye injection prior to the mammogram helps provide better visualization of breast lesions by targeting areas where there is increased blood supply. While government funding supports the operations and administration of hospitals, it is donations that fund critical equipment purchases. These new machines will keep Bluewater Health on the cutting edge of early detection and accurate diagnosis. “Breast cancer is the single leading cause of cancer death in women under age 60,” says Dr. Youssef Almalki, Medical Director, Diagnostic Imaging, Bluewater Health. “One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of breast cancer. If caught early, the five-year survival rate is 100%. If breast cancer is caught late, then the survival rate is 23% at five years.”

The best way to help avoid dying of breast cancer is regular screening, provided locally at Bluewater Health.

“The acquisition of equipment of this caliber is made possible by the generosity of the Sarnia-Lambton community. History has shown us that when there is a need in our hospital, our community supports us time and time again” says Mike Lapaine, President and CEO of Bluewater Health. “It is because of gifts such as Mrs. Carter’s and the contributions of so many countless others, that Bluewater Health can purchase and install leading edge equipment and technology right here in Sarnia-Lambton.”

The new mammography machines are expected to arrive in the spring. A celebration will be planned to mark their arrival.

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For media inquiries or more information:    

Kathy Alexander
Executive Director
(519) 464-4438 
[email protected]