Photo from The Mozart Mission Facebook page.

By Curtis Galbraith

Community

The Mozart MIssion raising money for new breast cancer surgery equipment

Aug 1, 2022 | 6:00 AM

A group of people in the Peace Country directly impacted by breast cancer have gotten together on a fundraising effort called The Mozart Mission

Spokesperson Alison Bergsma says they have partnered with the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation to buy an upgraded Mozart 3D surgical system.

“It is a specialized piece of equipment, and it will accurately assess removing tissue during breast cancer surgery.”

“Before we would have sent away the breast tissue that was removed and it would have gone away to get tested to see if it had clear margins. This machine will be right in the surgical room.”

Spokesperson Alison Bergsma says this will have several benefits for patients, including not having to come back for a second or third surgery.

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“It will also make the patient feel more comfortable and confident that all the cancer has been removed.”

“I think it will also help the patient go on with the next step of their care, just having one surgery, then you can start on with your next treatment if it’s chemo or radiation instead of going back for an additional surgery.”

Bergsma says everyone in the group, herself included, has been impacted by the disease.

“I had breast cancer and so that is how it all started. There is a group of us that some of us have had breast cancer and others, it’s been a family member.”

“We just wanted to come together, and we think it’s a great cause to raise some money for this machine.”

Bergsma says the people in the group are done their treatments and want to help the next group of patients.

She adds the fundraising goal is $275,000 and that $151,400 has been collected so far. The goal is to have the effort wrapped up by Christmas.

Donations are being taken through the Hospital Foundation website or look for The Mozart Mission on Facebook. Tax receipts will be given.

Bergsma says they will also be hosting Mozart Mixer October 1 at the Jackpot Bar and Grill to raise money as well.