The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation (FVHCF) will use a $130,000 donation from the Crystal Gala Foundation to purchase a state-of-the art ultrasound machine for Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre (ARHCC).
The announcement was made Friday night during a reception at Earls restaurant on South Fraser Way. See video presentation here.
The funds were raised at the 2012 Crystal Gala, held in October at the Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre.
Gerri Charles, chair of the Crystal Gala committee, said it has always been the intention of the group to ensure funds raised by the annual event are used in the community.
She said the purchase of the ultrasound machine is a welcome addition to the Crystal Gala Breast Health Unit.
"It means better service, quicker diagnosis and returning people to good health sooner," she said.
About 60 donors and sponsors were thanked for their support during the champagne reception.
This year's 15th annual Crystal Gala takes place Oct. 19 at the Ramada, and Charles said the theme will focus on something "crystal, icy and sophisticated," although details have yet to be finalized.
Charles said the Crystal Gala Foundation is just $70,000 away from the $1 million it has pledged to the FVHCF.
Prior to the 2012 gala, a total of $1.5 million had been raised. Of that, $800,000 had gone to the ARHCC, resulting in the name of the Crystal Gala Breast Health Unit.
"Previous funds allowed us to purchase probes for an existing ultrasound machine and with Friday's donation we have been able to purchase a new state-of-the-art machine," said Dorothy Dyck, past chair Crystal Gala committee.
The money also funded a "patient navigation program" designed to speed up wait times for breast cancer testing.
Tickets for the 2013 gala are now on sale and more information is available online at crystalgala.com, call 604-853-5463 or info@crystalgala.com.
Crystal Gala Breast Health Unit:
The development of the new breast health clinic was created to 'fast track' patients with abnormal screening results through diagnostic tests.
This clinic which opened on May 31, 2011, operates three days a week and allows for both physician and self-referrals.
As of January 22, 2013:
4661 patients seen at the clinic (161 currently active)
82% received final diagnosis within 21-day period
Average days to diagnosis:
- Benign / 6 days
- Positive / 21 days
Diagnosis:
- Benign 95%
Female: 4,380 / Male: 58
- Positive 5%
Female: 220 / Male: 3