News

The Crossing Rivers Health Foundation will be hosting La Soiree- Petals of Hope on Saturday, April 9, 2016. All proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the purchase of a new 3D Tomosynthesis Mammography unit and a biopsy unit for the Medical Imaging Department at Crossing Rivers Health. According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. For American women, breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.

Tim Clark, Director of Medical Imaging, said, “Our Medical Imaging department currently has a screening mammography unit. This new equipment will give us diagnostic capabilities, not currently available in Prairie du Chien. Instead of two images of each breast, the new 3D Tomosynthesis equipment will allow us to see approximately 120 images of each breast, increasing the cancer detection rate by 41%.” Clark added that another advantage of the new equipment is reduced radiation for the patient.

“The 3D mammography technology provides a more detailed image of tissue which decreases the number of patients called back for additional imaging, and increases diagnostic accuracy resulting in detection of breast cancers at their very earliest stage,” said Dr. Alisa Johnson, Radiologist and Breast Specialist at Crossing Rivers Health. “The survival rate of patients with the earliest stage of breast cancer is nearly 100%. We know early detection of breast cancer saves lives and we want to provide the best health care to our community.” Dr. Johnson shared that the addition of a biopsy unit will also greatly benefit women who have micro-calcifications or a mass by providing accurate diagnoses and individualized patient care.

The new mammography and biopsy equipment should be ready for use in spring of 2016. The total cost of the new equipment is approximately $500,000. Foundation president Jim Smith said, “La Soiree is a fun way to support a great cause. We want this to be a partnership of the hospital, local individuals and businesses in the region. This is a way for the local community to support breast health and be a part of something that directly impacts and benefits women in our immediate area. Our communities deserve access to advanced technology and the best healthcare.”

Sasha Dull, Chief Development Officer, said this fundraising event is not the only way people can support the purchase of this new imaging equipment. She added, “Anyone can make a donation online at givetocrh.org or by sending a check payable to the Crossing Rivers Health Foundation.”

“Since the Foundation was established nearly six years ago, the organization has provided more than $130,000 for hospital equipment and programs. This total does not include financial support raised for the new Medical Center, which totaled $1.2M. We couldn’t accomplish such success without our generous donors,” said Dull.

The gala is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser held in support of Crossing Rivers Health. The semi-formal event includes dinner, live entertainment and silent and live auctions which feature jewelry, designer handbags, electronics, luxury vacations, guided fishing trips, private dinners, tickets to events and much more. Tickets for this event will go on sale March 1^st and can be purchased at the concierge desk inside the main entrance of Crossing Rivers Health or by calling 608-357-2140.

“The community truly comes together to support Crossing Rivers Health. We are so grateful for all of the generous donations that will directly impact the health of the community,” said Dull.