Accelerating Cancer Treatment (ACT)
Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation Focuses Philanthropy on Accelerating Cancer Treatment
Grass Valley, CA – Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital (SNMH) Foundation has always been the chief local advocate for ensuring that top quality cancer treatment is available in western Nevada County. Over the years, SNMH Foundation has raised more than $2 million for cancer programs, equipment and services at SNMH.
Widely known for their Project Pink campaigns, SNMH Foundation is now asking the community to ACT. Accelerating Cancer Treatment (ACT) is the newest campaign of SNMH Foundation to raise $500,000 for a modern Linear Accelerator for SNMH’s Comprehensive Community Cancer Center.
Utilizing high energy x-rays to sterilize and destroy cancer cells, the Linear Accelerator breaks up genetic material in a way which helps to control cancers. The Linear Accelerator is used to focus intense beams of radiation directly at sites where cancer has been identified through sophisticated medical images such as CT, MR and PET scans. The modern Linear Accelerator is a powerful treatment option which plays a key role in the treatment of cancers located anywhere within the body.
Kimberly Parker, Executive Director of SNMH Foundation believes that the campaign is not just about acquiring state-of-the-art technology. “The heart of this campaign really comes from our local cancer patients and their amazing spirit. The equipment is a vital piece in the puzzle toward their survivorship. SNMH Foundation board of directors can not think of a more worthy cause for our community to support.”
Campaign Chair Judy Hess, with Citizens Bank, chose to chair this campaign for many reasons. “I believe that this new state-of-the-art equipment is crucial to health care in our community. This advanced technology will compliment what the Cancer Center currently provides ensuring Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital remains in the forefront of Cancer treatment,” explains Hess. But her motivation is more personal. “As a local employer that values our Hospital, we have been grateful for the care our Cancer Center has provided our employees and our families. The main reason I chose to take a leadership role in this campaign is to honor my dear friend Barbara Kosher who lost her battle with cancer recently. Barbara was an inspiration of strength and spirit and I lead this cause to honor her friendship.”
As Nevada County’s only full service radiation oncology service, it is vital that SNMH has access to the most advanced technology to treat cancer locally. Having to travel out of the area for radiation treatment can be stressful and costly to the patient. A new Linear Accelerator will enable Cancer Center staff to treat additional cancers they are currently not able to treat which will allow more patients to be cared for locally.
Radiation Oncology Manager Chris Cidonio also explains, “Software in the new Linear Accelerator will reduce patient treatment times. For example, with Intensely Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for head & neck patients, treatment time may be cut from 45 minutes to less than 10 minutes. With all other IMRT patients, the treatment time will decrease proportionally.” SNMH is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in cancer treatment options. This new Linear Accelerator is the most advanced equipment available on the market today.
“Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital is directing substantial capital resources to this project,” commented SNMH Foundation Executive Director Kimberly Parker. “Realistically, however, the Hospital cannot fund the entire amount. That is why community support is essential to make this happen.” The Hospital Foundation plays a key role in fostering community support for projects like this that would otherwise not be possible.
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