New breast cancer equipment coming to Moose Jaw thanks to the success of Festival of Trees

The 32nd annual Festival of Trees held in late October at the Moose Jaw Events Centre was another big success.

The event raised over $237,000 in support of the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

Money raised will go towards purchasing a new Phillips breast cancer MRI coil and lymphatic navigator.

"Because of the overwhelming support, we're going to be able to bring that breast cancer coil but it will be enhanced with a biopsy option as well," said Kelly McElree, executive director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation. "It was so touching to see at Festival of Trees the work of the volunteer chair Kim Waldo and her amazing team of volunteers, that vision came together and there was just so many touching moments all the way throughout the night and the overwhelming support of doctors, medical professionals, business people within the community. It was truly a magical night."

He notes that this will be the only MRI in rural Saskatchewan equipped with breast cancer imaging outside of Regina or Saskatoon.

"We've let the medical staff of the hospital know, just the level of support that we've received, and now they will go to work to bring that imaging equipment and surgical equipment to our community."

Over 320 people attended this year's Festival of Trees: Home for the Holidays.

McElree says donations kept coming in after the event from people who weren't able to attend.

"I'm just overwhelmed by the support and just on behalf of the volunteer board of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, medical patients, and most of all, the medical staff of the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. Thank you so much. You saved lives that night."

Over the past 30-plus years, the Festival of Trees has raised nearly $5 million for health care in Moose Jaw.

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