Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 2, 2009
 

Contact:  Kari Ranten, Director of Marketing, Skagit Valley Hospital, 360-814-2370
  Cherie Myers, Director, Public and Government Affairs, Safeway Inc., 425-201-6467
     
Safeway Grant Benefits Breast Cancer Care at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center

MOUNT VERNON – A generous grant of $200,000 from Safeway Inc. and its customers will benefit breast cancer care services at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

Representatives of Safeway’s corporate office and managers of several area stores were in attendance at the hospital’s Board of Commissioners meeting on February 27 to present the gift to Dr. Ted Kim, medical oncologist at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center and Judi Seegert, president of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

“Our donation of $200,000 to the breast center at Skagit Valley Hospital reflects the passion and true spirit of giving shown by our customers and employees who believe the opportunity exists to find a cure within our lifetime,” said Cherie Myers, Director of Public and Government Affairs for Safeway, Inc.

During the month of October, Safeway conducts a company-wide initiative to raise funds for breast cancer research efforts and treatment programs. A total of $1.3 million was raised statewide.

“We appreciate the nickels, dimes and pennies our customers donate in our local stores and in this case, it all came back to you with a bonus from the other money raised in Western Washington,” Myers said.

The funds from Safeway will be used for patient education, providing resources for patients and seminars on self-breast examination and prevention, according to Dr. Kim, who is spearheading efforts to launch the multidisciplinary breast cancer clinic.

“Safeway’s contribution to the breast health clinic will fundamentally change the way breast cancer is treated in this region,” Dr. Kim said. “We appreciate the support and generosity of Safeway and its customers.”

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