(L-r) Kelsey Loftis, Dr. Karien Campbell, Mike Dawson, Sandra Fricke, Brett Bruce, Rob Santilli, Heidi Sherratt, Don Haver.
Tough Enough to Wear Pink commends efforts
Original Story, Gunnison Country Times
October 29, 2020
Community members no longer need to leave the valley for essential breast care services now that Breast MRI is available at Gunnison Valley Health (GVH).
GVH’s diagnostic radiologist and breast imaging specialist, Dr. Karien Campbell, said this is the final piece of equipment needed to complete our comprehensive breast care services.
“After a positive cancer biopsy, Breast MRI provides us with more detailed information regarding the extent of the disease,” said Dr. Campbell. “MRI is utilized in conjunction with mammography as an enhanced screening tool for high risk patients including those individuals with personal gene mutations and a strong family history of the disease. Breast MRI is also helpful in problem solving when results from mammography and breast ultrasound are inconclusive.”
Dr. Campbell remarked, “We are very thankful to Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP). This incredible organization has provided our hospital with the most advanced equipment so we can deliver exceptional breast care services to our community.”
TETWP purchased the machine, to the tune of $146,000.
TETWP Executive Director Heidi Sherratt said the extensive breast care services will help a lot of people in the valley.
“We have come a long way when it comes to breast care services in the Gunnison Valley,” Sherratt recalls. “Five years ago we purchased the hospital’s first digital ultrasound machine, two years later we bought the most advanced 3D mammography machine, last year it was the biopsy diagnostic equipment and now finally the breast MRI coil,” she said.
“Being diagnosed with an abnormality takes a toll on you emotionally but knowing you can receive all the care you need in one place, without leaving the valley, makes it so much easier,” Sherratt confirmed.
Sherratt added the team at GVH should be commended on delivering such a high level of care to this community.
“It’s one thing to provide the equipment but you do need a highly qualified team to deliver the service. Dr. Campbell is very thorough and her expertise along with the quality of service she provides is superior,” she said “and supported by the mammography technicians, you know you are in good hands.”
GVH’s CEO, Rob Santilli, confirmed his thanks and appreciation to TETWP for their continued support to help make their local healthcare system one of the best rural breast care hospitals in the nation.
“We strive to deliver the best in breast care services right here in the valley,” Santilli said. “We have the highest level of excellence in physicians and the most advanced equipment,” he said. “Thank you so much, Heidi Sherratt and the TETWP team, as we could not have offered these services without your support.”
GVH is offering a complimentary massage if you schedule your mammogram on a Monday. For more information on Mammo Mondays and to make an appointment, please contact GVH’s Diagnostic Imaging Department at 970.641.7253.