BNSF News

BNSF Railway Foundation donates $25,000 to medical center in Longview, Wash., to support research

2013-09-18

The week of Sept. 9, the BNSF Railway Foundation presented a $25,000 check to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, Wash. to help fund breast cancer research and centralize breast care services.

"Washington state has one of the highest breast cancer rates in the nation, [and] Cowlitz County has the third highest rate in the state," said Courtney Wallace, BNSF regional director, Public Affairs. "It's a huge opportunity to help make an impact on women and their loved ones who are impacted by this horrible disease."

The hospital's Breast Center images 65 women daily -- nearly 14,000 women per year -- and performs breast MRIs, diagnostic ultrasounds, ductography, localization procedures and minimally invasive breast biopsies.

The $25,000 gift from the BNSF Railway Foundation will help fund two Hologic (3D) breast tomosynthesis machines. Tomosynthesis allows for more efficient and accurate imaging, minimizing callbacks for patients and decreasing wait time in between imaging, biopsy and surgery.

The donation will also create a dedicated center for patients, centralizing all of the hospital's breast care services into one location. "Bringing those two pieces [the mammography center and surgeon's office] together so that no matter what the issue there is one entry point and one exit point, which reduces anxiety for our patients and their families," explained Cathy Barr, executive director of PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation.

"To be able to have community partner like BNSF is so important to us and we are so grateful for this gift."

About the photo: Courtney Wallace, BNSF regional director, Public Affairs, presents the BNSF Railway Foundation donation to Dr. Steven Cabrales, vice president, PeaceHealth Foundation.

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