It’s been a roaring start to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health’s (EKFH) most ambitious fundraising campaign to date.

A special gathering was held yesterday (Oct. 3) to celebrate the launch of the public side of the EKFH’s ‘A Clear View ~ digital mammography campaign,’ coinciding with the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, on the grounds of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

The visually catching campaign, featuring breast cancer survivors and their ‘supporter’ from six locales in the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District, has begun with a glass-half-filled start.

Aiming for $1 million to bring a digital stereotactic mammography unit to the regional hospital based in Cranbrook, the campaign has already pulled in $508,000 since the campaign began in late June.

With more than 18 months to go in the two-year campaign, the EKFH is now asking for regional public support to help reach their goal.

“The A Clear View – digital mammography campaign needs your help to bring the best in breast cancer technology to the East Kootenay,” stated EKFH executive director Donna Grainger.

Yesterday’s celebration featured a wealth of special guests, many making emotional and poignant speeches.

EKFH chair Linda Berukoff presided over the event and welcomed speeches by (both pictured above) Dr. Khang-Min Zhu (radiologist and EKRH Medical Director) and Dr. Julie Nicol (radiologist) who shared what an impact the equipment will have not just for its technical capability for the radiology department but for patients in earlier diagnosis and treatment options.

Their talks were followed by the unveiling of the Faces of the Campaign, featuring a breast cancer survivor and their supporter/s from the major communities in the East Kootenay.

Included in the campaign are: former City of Kimberley Mayor Evelyn Cutts and Susan Schmitz (sisters – Fernie); Elva Keiver and Heather Morissette  (friends and survivors – Kimberley); Lisey Lalonde and Jason Romani (wife/husband – Golden);  Sue and Stephanie Selby (mother and  daughter – Cranbrook); Julie Giles, Marsha Plant and Judy Dickson (friends and colleagues – Creston); and Sheila and Stuart Tutty (wife/husband – Invermere).

The ‘Faces’ unveiling was followed by some extremely powerful and insightful speeches, heartfully given by Sue, Julie and Sheila leaving a tear or two with many of those in the audience.

In addition, Berukoff and Grainger acknowledged the many donors who have given the campaign such a rock solid start, including the Cranbrook Health Care Auxiliary which has pledged $250,000 to the cause.

To learn more about the Faces of the Campaign, the equipment and to make a donation please visit www.aclearview.ca.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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