Digital mammography campaigners hit the ground running
Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Sherry Haaima
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Sherry Haaima, Metroland
Digital mammography campaign chair Kimberly O'Shaughnessy, left, officially launches the fundraising effort.
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Sherry Haaima, Metroland
The Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital Auxiliary came to the launch of the campaign Tuesday with cheque in hands. From left are Doreen Nicholas, Patricia Smith, Sandra Stemp and Ruth Nebergall.
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EMC News-The Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital Digital Mammography campaign may have just launched, but with money in the pot and several key people behind it, it is already shaping up to be a good one.
Sherry Haaima, Metroland
Above right, Leigh Ann Kyte of Fitzroy Harbour is a breast cancer survivor who says early detection was key in helping her through her experience.
Digital mammography is the latest technology in terms of early breast cancer detection, explained Dr. Frank Lee, associate professor at the University of Ottawa, a radiologist at ADMH and the Ottawa Hospital and the head of the Ontario Breast Screening Program at ADMH. He was speaking at the official launch of the campaign at the hospital Tuesday.
"As a radiologist I very excited about this piece of equipment. It really is one of the best screening tools we can provide women and men," said Dr. Lee.
Among those celebrating in the hospital's diagnostic imaging department was Leigh Ann Kyte, of Fitzroy Harbour, who knows firsthand the importance of quality cancer screening and care close to home.
In 2009, Kyte discovered a lump that was quickly diagnosed as cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation and a lumpectomy followed and now, Kyte has only good things to say about the health care team in Arnprior and beyond that helped her safely through the experience.
"The screening program at ADMH, the quick access to it and my family doctor are the reasons why two years, later, I am able to tell this story. We need to continue supporting our community hospitals and keeping up to date with the latest technologies, like a digital mammography unit," said Kyte, a wife and mother of two.
The machine costs in excess of $600,000, said Eric Hanna, president and CEO of ADMH, who introduced the campaign chair Kimberly O'Shaughnessy, marketing manager for Island View Suites.
"We found someone with a marketing background who is already invested in the community," said Hanna. "She has already proven herself to be a go-getter and a strong leader."
The campaign goal is to raise 600,000 by October and the ADMH foundation is looking to the members of the community to raise $400,000 of that total, said O'Shaughnessy.
A team of hardworking, dedicated volunteers quietly working in the background since past summer has helped to bring the total to $300,000, she announced.
Thermometers on the hospital grounds and on Daniel Street will track the fundraising efforts.
O'Shaughnessy.thanked the groups, business and individuals who have already contributed to the total and urged the community to continue to help in any way possible.
"I encourage you to get out there, host events, donate and let's work together to make this dream a reality," she said.
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