The Moose Jaw Health Foundation is dedicated to bringing new digital mammography equipment to the Dr. F.H Wigmore hospital here in the city with their 2019 campaign, Mammography Matters.
“When people participate by either making a donation to the Foundation or through one of those events, all the funds stay in our community to help patients who that might go through cancer,” said Kelly McElree, executive director of MJHF.
“Early detection is the key in a person who's been diagnosed with cancer. The faster you can treat people, the better the outcome.”
The campaign's goal is $375,000, and donations are already pouring in. Upcoming events are fundraising to supporting the MJHF campaign, including the annual Moose Jawg on July 1. As well, the Hillcrest Golf Club is set to host their annual golf tournament in support of the MJHF on June 13.
Other support has come from events like the Little Princess Ball, which was held on March 30 and 31.
Earlier this spring, the 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon returned for its 13th year. Thanks to generous donations, including a donation of $185,000 from the estate of Ken Loftus, the Radiothon was able to double its goal this year and bring in approximately $300,000.
The Prairie Hearts Quilter’s Guild raffled off a quilt at their recent Quilt Show, raising $2,200 for the MJHF’s campaign.
As well, Concerts in the Park returned on June 5, as a thank you from the MJHF to all of their donors over the years.
The support from the community is, as always, impressive to McElree.
“That's what Moose Jaw is, it's people working together for common goals,” said McElree. “We are very thankful that people feel so motivated that they give up their time and contribute dollars.”
He encourages people to take note of the many events going on this summer and to come out to one — or all — of them in support of the Health Foundation’s goal.
The community helped the MJHF bring the first digital mammography technology to Moose Jaw 10 years ago, which has completed around 33,000 examinations in its lifetime. With new, more accurate equipment, the Health Foundation hopes to continue to help with early detection of breast cancer.
“The community rallied together a decade ago and we're asking the community to help us out once again, in order to help save lives,” said McElree.
