Cascade Medical Foundation is within $4,000 of purchasing new cancer screening equipment, thanks to a boost from the Community Foundation of North Central Washington.
The Community Foundation awarded the project an $11,000 Regional Impact Grant, and launched Give NCW -- a crowdfunding campaign. Through Dec. 31, people can support the cancer screening project and several other worthy causes, through www.givencw.org . Community Foundation will give 100 percent of every donation to the nonprofit of the giver’s choice.
“This is for the long-term health of the Upper Valley community,” said Cascade Medical Foundation Coordinator Emily Groby. “We’re grateful to the Community Foundation for the support, and to our neighbors in the Upper Valley who understand the importance of quality healthcare.”
The Foundation plans to purchase a new colonoscope, a key piece of equipment used for colon cancer screening, early next year. As technology evolves in healthcare, the new colonoscope will feature a 360-degree camera to ensure the best patient experience possible.
“It’s important that we offer this service locally in a way that’s convenient, safe and professional,” said Dr. Tony Butruille, who founded the colonoscopy program 15 years ago. “We want our patients to feel like they’re getting the best possible care.”
The new equipment will ensure access to this lifesaving procedure close to home, especially as the Upper Valley community ages. Travel can be an insurmountable barrier for residents in rural communities – such as Plain or Blewett Pass -- where the drive is at least an hour to Wenatchee.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, and the second leading cause in men. That’s why American Cancer Association recommends a colonoscopy every 10 years for people over 50, or earlier depending on family history.
The project won the second-highest grant awarded by The Community Foundation. It was a competitive year, with over 60 applications and 25 recipients. The Community Foundation sent a few representatives for a site visit in October to learn more about Cascade Medical and our endoscopy program.
“With about 200 colonoscopies performed each year at Cascade Medical and the rising average age of residents in the Leavenworth area, the impact of updated colonoscopy technology and equipment was compelling,” said Claire Oatey, Director of Community Grants at Community Foundation of North Central Washington. “The hope is that the community will show their support through Give NCW to allow the hospital to meet the growing demand and decrease the backlog for these life-saving screenings.”
To help the Foundation achieve the last $4,000, visit givencw.org by Dec. 31. All donations are tax deductable.