|
Fundraising efforts add up for digital mammography
in Superior
The Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival
has become a highly anticipated tradition for the Twin Ports. This year, every swipe
of the paddle and beat of the drum symbolize a step closer to an important goal
of enhancing breast cancer detection in Superior.
Funds raised during festival on Aug. 21-22 will help bring new digital mammography
equipment to St. Mary’s Hospital of Superior. The two-day festival at Barker's Island
in Superior is just one way that the community is supporting efforts to offer this
state-of-the-art technology.
All around Superior, pink scissors signify salons supporting the “Quarter a Cut”
campaign. Through October, nine participating salons and stylists are donating a
quarter for every haircut and encouraging clients to consider a donation, too.
During the “Touched by Breast Cancer Golf Classic” at Nemadji Golf Course, organizer
Julie Nelson added a raffle for a "mini chopper" donated by Budweiser. Her goal
was to raise $2,500 for digital mammography equipment.
Members of the St. Mary’s Hospital of Superior Foundation Board are overseeing the
effort to bring digital mammography to the hospital. They're excited to see how
these initiatives will add up and have also pledged to help raise $200,000 of the
$480,000 needed for the equipment.
“We’re really hoping to get the word out there, not only in the Twin Ports, but
also surrounding communities,” says SMHS Foundation Board Vice Chair Denise Sorensen.
“There’s such a willingness among women to get involved in the fight against breast
cancer. It’s inspiring.”
Sorenson notes that raising a substantial amount of money is challenging, especially
in today’s economy. But it’s a cause that many want to support.
“I don’t think there’s anyone out there who doesn’t know at least someone who has
been affected or touched by cancer,” she says.
“Our board is committed,” says Foundation Board Chair Andy Lisak. “We’re currently
discussing our strategies, and will be reaching out to community members to get
them excited and involved as well.”
Some of that excitement is already building, as teams set fundraising challenges
for the Dragon Boat Festival. Lisak has participated in the event every year, paddling
with a team of family members. “We do pretty well, which is amazing,” Lisak joked.
Digital mammography in Superior will bring added convenience for patients who like
to receive their health care on the Wisconsin side of the Blatnik Bridge, Lisak
said.
Digital mammography shows improved rates for early detection of breast cancer, which
can help save lives. It also offers increased quality of imaging for dense breast
tissue and involves less overall radiation to the patient. Another benefit is the
images can easily become part of a patient’s electronic medical record.
For those reasons, Sorensen and Lisak believe this campaign will resonate
in the area.
“The response from the community has been terrific,” Sorensen says. “I know we will
raise the funds. There’s not a doubt in my mind that they will be raised – it’s
such a worthy cause.”
|