The Empower Through Early Detection initiative is designed to meet the growing demand for breast cancer screenings and make early detection more accessible in our community. Western Missouri Medical Center has committed to this $880,000 project to enhance breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and care. 

Donate to the Capital Campaign

Early detection is critical for effective treatment and improving survival rates, and we are committed to making these screenings available to all women. To achieve our goal, we are focused on acquiring three essential diagnostic tools: 

• Two 3D Mammography Machines (one with biopsy capabilities)
• A Specialized Ultrasound Machine 

These tools will improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnoses, shorten wait times, and make screenings more comfortable for patients.

By contributing to this campaign, you are helping equip WMMC with the tools needed for early detection and better care. Together, we can empower women in our community through life-saving breast cancer screenings.

The Need and Impact

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in our community. Missouri currently ranks among the highest in the United States for both the incidence of breast cancer and the associated mortality rates. Despite advances in treatment and detection, breast cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women worldwide, making it a significant global health concern.

Early detection can dramatically improve survival rates. When caught early, the five-year relative survival rate exceeds 90%.

The WMMC Foundation needs your support to help bring these life-saving technologies to our community. Your donation will directly fund the acquisition of these critical diagnostic tools, allowing us to provide faster and more accurate breast cancer screenings. Together, we can help ensure that every woman has access to the early detection that saves lives. 

Benefits for Patients

The Empower Through Early Detection initiative will help WMMC provide faster, more accurate diagnoses, ultimately saving lives and improving outcomes for women in our region. Benefits to patients include:

Reduced Wait Times: Faster screenings and results, ensuring timely access to necessary care.

Enhanced Comfort: Advanced technology like the Comfort Paddle will make the experience less painful.

Lower Radiation Exposure: HCP technology ensures high-quality imaging with reduced radiation, especially for women with dense breast tissue.

Improved Diagnostic Accuracy: 3D mammography and ultrasound technology provide clearer, more detailed images, leading to more accurate diagnoses.

More Lives Saved: Early detection leads to more effective treatment and improved survival rates.

Meet the Machine: Fujifilm ASPIRE Cristalle

A key part of our initiative is the Fujifilm ASPIRE Cristalle digital mammography system. This advanced machine combines cutting-edge features for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and a more comfortable patient experience to make screenings faster, safer, and more effective.

The Comfort Paddle ensures even compression to reduce discomfort during the exam.

Hexagonal Close Pattern (HCP) technology increases imaging efficiency by 20%, lowering radiation exposure, especially for women with dense breast tissue or implants.

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) captures detailed 3D images to improve abnormality detection.

Innovative software, including S-View and Iterative Super-Resolution Reconstruction (ISR), delivers clearer images with reduced noise, minimizing the need for repeat exams.

How can I help?

Because we value every gift so greatly, we offer many ways to give. Find the gift that’s right for you.

• • • Annual Donations – Gifts of current assets provide essential support to our programs and initiatives. These may include cash gifts (check, credit card, wire transfer, IRA charitable qualified distributions), stocks, and bonds.
    • Memorials & Grateful Patient Donations – Many families decide to establish a memorial for their loved one and direct gifts in lieu of gifts or flowers. Grateful Patient donations can be made to thank a nurse, doctor, or other staff person at WMMC for their exceptional care.
    • Legacy Giving – When you make a planned gift to the WMMC Foundation, you support the future of quality health and care in our community.
      • Gift of Securities – Redirect your taxes to benefit your family and your community.
      • Gift by bequest or estate plan – Include the WMMC Foundation in your will or living trust, or name the WMMC Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy.
      • Corporate Giving and Event Sponsorship

Please mail your donation to:

Western Missouri Medical Center Foundation
Attn: Communications & Development Office
403 Burkarth Road
Warrensburg, MO 64093

Checks, securities, deeds, bequests, and other legal documents should be made payable or transferable to Western Missouri Medical Center Foundation.

The WMMC Foundation is certified as a 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(3) organization. Gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

For additional questions, please contact Tara Carlyle, Foundation Executive Director, at (660) 262-7497 or [email protected].