Members of the Girls Night Out Altoona, Inc. (GNOAI) committee delivered a donation of $14,000 to the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center (JMBCC) in support of patient care services. Typically, each year the committee hosts an annual fundraising dinner that brings together breast cancer survivors, family, friends, and supporters. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions they were unable to hold their 2020 event.
Despite the global pandemic and a canceled event, GNOAI was still able to generate donations through alternative fundraisers. The committee raised more than $56,000, which was divided between four non-profit organizations, including the JMBCC.
“It has been a difficult year in the fundraising world, so this donation means a lot to us. We are very grateful for the continued support we receive from the Girls Night Out Altoona, Inc. organization. The committee worked hard to raise funds in other ways so that we can all continue to increase breast cancer awareness in our community,” said Kim Oleksa, Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) Foundations/Development Administrator.
GNOAI has been raising funds for the JMBCC since 2008. Since then, they have contributed more than $351,500 to the breast care center. Their generous donations have helped to fund Pink Ribbon Care, a program that provides assistance for patients who are unable to pay for breast-related health services – including mammograms, follow-up diagnostic services, and genetic counseling.
Pictured from L to R: JMBCC Director Erin Goins; GNOAI committee members Marsha McCaulley and Loane Maier; CSSMCW Development/Fundraising Administrator Kim Oleksa; and GNOAI committee members Janice Frank and Linda Filby.
About Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center
The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center (JMBCC) opened in February 2002 offering comprehensive and personalized breast care in one convenient location. The JMBCC is exists to prevent and treat diseases of the breast and other conditions that can impact the lives of the women served. The tools and techniques used include digital mammography, ultrasound, breast biopsies, breast MRI, bone densitometry, genetic counseling, research studies, and a female breast surgeon on-site.
About Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber
Founded in 1906, Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) is an independent, non-profit acute care hospital in northern Somerset County, bordering Cambria County. The 54-bed hospital shares a campus and collaborates with Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber (CSSIMMW), a private, non-profit biomedical research center. With more than 450 employees, CSSMCW is the fourth largest employer in Somerset County. CSSMCW’s mission is to provide excellence in personalized, quality health care services through innovation, research and education in response to community needs. For more information visit www.windbercare.org.