Gunnison Tough

“Gunnison Valley Health and Tough Enough To Wear Pink have collaborated on a strategic plan to bring the best in breast care services to the Valley. We could not have done this without the support of Tough Enough to Wear Pink.”

– Rob Santilli, CEO Gunnison Valley Health

“GVH has one of the strongest rural mammography programs in the state of Colorado and the Gunnison community should be proud of this service.”

– Inspector, Colorado Department of Health and Human Services

How We Have Helped the Gunnison Valley

According to a 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment, cancer care is one of the highest priority needs identified by our community. To address this need, Gunnison Tough has helped in the following ways:

• Total fundraising to date since 2005 is $6,279,634.
• 2022 Cattlemen’s Days fundraising campaigns raised $1,125,034.
• Pedal for Pink raised $33,000.
• 2021 fundraising campaigns raised $650,000.
• 2020 fundraising campaigns raised $557,000.
• 2023 – Purchase of the ABUS  – automated breast ultrasound machine – $279,807.50
• 2020 $147,000 purchase of Breast MRI Coil.
• 2019 $160,000 purchase of a Breast Stereotactic Biopsy Device.
• 2017 $370,000.00 purchase of a Hologic 3D Tomosynthesis Mammography Machine.
  • Proven to detect 20%-65% more invasive breast cancers compared to 2D alone, an average increase of 41%.
  • Proven to reduce callbacks by up to 40% compared to 2D alone.
  • FDA approved as superior for women with dense breasts compared to 2D alone.
• $120,000 funded in mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies since 2013 for uninsured or underinsured Gunnison Valley residents. In 2020 alone, Gunnison Tough has funded more than $25,000 to cover the cost of life-saving breast cancer screenings for those who do not have health insurance coverage.
• Over $1,679,807.50 has been used since 2006 to purchase equipment ( ABUS, Breast MRI Coil, 3D Tomosynthesis, ultrasound, digital mammography, stereotactic biopsy, PINK robes, and warmers) to expand breast cancer services at Gunnison Valley Hospital as part of a comprehensive strategic plan with Gunnison Valley Hospital to make this the best small town breast cancer facility in the US.
• 30% of the salary for the Oncology Nurse Navigator hired to help all cancer patients in the Gunnison Valley to navigate the complexities of treatments, medications, insurance, transportation, and provide support and assistance throughout all stages of the cancer continuum.
• “Tuffy” the Transportation Ram Truck purchased in 2016, and “Bucky” the Dodge Durango purchased in 2018 help all cancer patients get to their out of town medical appointments safely and comfortably.  They have traveled over 132,735 miles across the state. TETWP welcomed a third vehicle, Betty Ann,
  donated in 2020!
• $190,000 granted since 2015 through the Friends of Pink program to help individuals in the Gunnison Valley who were impacted financially due to a breast cancer diagnosis (lost wages, travel expenses for treatment, etc.).
• $10,000 in funding the honorary Edie Gibson “Make It A Great Day” program which helps Gunnison Valley residents who are diagnosed with cancer by providing coupons for them and their caregivers to utilize the therapy services of Integrative Therapies.
• $10,000 to fund Mammo Mondays.  A nice treat providing patients with a relaxing massage or reiki after having their annual mammogram at GVH.
• $34,000 since 2019 through Lucy’s House providing lodging assistance to individuals with any type of cancer.
• $2,000 to Casting for Recovery to send two Gunnison County Ladies to the 2018 Fly Fishing Retreat for breast cancer survivors in Redstone, CO.

Bucky, Tuffy, & Betty Ann Drivers Needed

Would you like to volunteer to drive breast cancer patients to breast cancer clinics or hospitals? Listen to this KBUT interview for more information. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer to drive or fill one of our other volunteer positions. We appreciate your kindness!