Members of the Tough Enough To Wear Pink organization are pictured with representatives of Gunnison Valley Health with equipment provided to the hospital through the nonprofit’s fundraising.
Original Story, Gunnison Country Times Feb. 20, 2020
Inaugural event honors nonprofit’s contribution to valley health
In an inaugural event, Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) has chosen to honor the nonprofit organization Tough Enough To Wear Pink (TETWP) for its commitment to breast cancer prevention and treatment.
The event, called “A Night of Caring,” will be held on Friday, March 13 at the Center for the Arts in Crested Butte. It will feature an evening of music, entertainment and a four-course menu designed by Chef Jason Vernon. Buckel Family Wine offerings will also be served.
Executive Director of the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation Jenny Birnie noted that in addition to serving as a fundraiser, the gala event is designed to recognize organizations and donors who make significant contributions to the health care system in the valley.
“TETWP has donated over $590,000 in breast imaging equipment including the latest 3D tomosynthesis mammography machine, breast biopsy device, specimen imagery equipment, and a breast MRI coil which will be available soon,” said Birnie. “They are also passionate about educating our community about the importance of regular mammograms and continue to pay for women’s mammograms who are either uninsured or underinsured.”
Chief Executive Officer of GVH Rob Santilli said TETWP has been a driving force to help make GVH one of the best rural breast care hospitals in the nation and “we have nothing but appreciation for this support.”
“We are fortunate to have the knowledge and expertise of a specialized team to tie our breast care services together including Diagnostic Radiologist Dr. Karien Campbell, surgeon and Breast Care Prevention Specialist Dr. Stephania Timothy and medical oncologist Dr. Paulette Blanchet,” said Santilli.
Santelli said the health system has the team and the equipment to deliver the best in breast care services to the valley thanks to TETWP, a sentiment that Birnie echoed.
“TETWP’s commitment and dedication to breast care services for our community deserves profound recognition and we are thrilled to honor and thank them at our gala event in March,” Birnie added.