Thursday morning, Enumclaw Regional Health-care Foundation First Vice President Megan Farr handed off a hefty check to hospital board members. The record donation of nearly a half-million dollars to Enumclaw Regional Hospital left the ERH board of trustees and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Popp all smiles. Hospital leaders plan to use the $496,000 to purchase digital mammography technology to help fight breast cancer.
“Our goal is to increase the health of our community and digital mammography will help local physicians better detect and treat breast cancer,” explained Alan Predmore, president of the Foundation board of trustees. “Because one in eight women will get breast cancer, we felt this was a critical investment that would save lives.”
Digital mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer detection. It uses the same technique as film screen mammography, except the image is recorded directly into a computer. The image can then be enlarged or highlighted, which allows the radiologist who reads the X-ray to better see abnormalities in the tissue.
“We are delighted to be able to get this equipment,” said Dr. David Rice, medical director for diagnostic imaging at Enumclaw Regional Hospital. “This will allow women to receive the absolutely most accurate mammograph possible without leaving their community.”
According to ERH Imaging Manager Rich Rosser, the equipment is scheduled to arrive in late September and be up and running by October - just in time for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation, formerly Enumclaw Hospital Foundation, has been a longtime supporter of the hospital. The Foundation recently expanded its giving to other community health efforts. Since its founding in 1982, the Foundation has made more than $2.3 million in contributions to health causes on the greater Plateau.
The Foundation raises its money through giving programs and fundraising activities like the annual Holiday Fantasy dinner and auction and the Duck Race, shared with Enumclaw Rotary sponsor, which is scheduled for the waters of the Green River Sept. 13. To enter the race at $5 per duck, call 360-802-3206 or visit www.enumclawregionalhealthcarefoundation.org. This year’s “lucky duck” could win $50,000 or another “ducky” prize. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Enumclaw Regional Hospital, a part of Franciscan Health System, offers comprehensive imaging services, 24-hour emergency care, and surgical, medical and maternity services to more than 35,000 patients each year. The hospital will be breaking ground on a completely new facility this fall.
Reach Brenda Sexton at bsexton@courierherald.com or 360-802-8206.
