Nathan Littauer Hospital receives donation from Soroptimists towards "Core Visions" Stereotactic Equipment

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Photo from left: Laurie Agee (SIFC Club President, Deb Sidney (SIFC Club VP), Drue Wallach (Club Finance Committee Chair), Deb Finkle (NLH Foundation Chair ), Dr. McBiles, Chief of Radiology for Natha

GLOVERSVILLE, NY (03/07/2013)(readMedia)-- Representatives of the Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home and Soroptimist International of Fulton County recently met to celebrate their collaboration in bringing the newest technology, Faxitron, LLC's Core Vision stereotactic breast biopsy equipment suite, to Nathan Littauer Hospital's Women's Breast Health Department. The new technology is used to help physicians in the correct diagnosis of breast cancer. "We owe a debt of gratitude to the local Soroptimist group" stated Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer's President and CEO. He added, "Their unwavering commitment to serving the needs of women in our area should be commended." He praised their relationship of 17 years noting, "Our team had been hoping to secure this technology for women in our area and with the help of the Fulton County Soroptomist group, this clinically advanced equipment now also has a home in Fulton County." He said, "Ultimately, it is the women in our area that will benefit."

"Core Vision" is lauded for providing doctors with "immediate confirmation that the proper tissue sample has been removed..." and saving those patients who must undergo breast biopsies from "unnecessary delays, discomfort or stress during a biopsy." According to Dr. Mike McBiles, Chief of Radiology for Littauer, "Simply put, our patients who are already concerned about a breast abnormality now are treated to a 'one-stop' approach to breast health." According to Dr. McBiles, "We are able to get a tissue sample completed and reviewed without having to make another appointment or worse, another uncomfortable tissue donation." He explains, "This technology is cutting edge for any region- including larger metropolitan areas. It is a real coup for our region."

The Soroptimist organization, having provided $10,000 in funding for Littauer's first stereotactic mammography equipment in 1996, was a likely choice for Nathan Littauer Hospital's Foundation to seek funding for the advanced technology available through the capabilities of the Core Vision stereotactic suite. As stated in the grant proposal submitted in 2012 by Susan A. Kiernan, Vice President of Development, "We know Soroptimists have particular interest in assisting underserved women. Littauer is the breast health safety net for so many women in our service area. For those requiring a biopsy, and many more do because of the accuracy of digital mammography, 'Core vision' is the current gold standard in breast health imaging."

After hearing from Tammy Gerdes, Senior Mammography Technologist at Littauer's Diagnostic Imaging Department, about the benefits of the Core Vision equipment, the Soroptimist membership embraced the proposal, granting $26,250.00 toward the purchase, finding it to be significant to the medical and emotional care of women in our area and finding it invaluable to the Soroptimist mission to improve the lives of women and girls. The cost of the entire Core Vision stereotactic suite is $52,500.00.

The implementation of the Core Vision equipment was recognized at a presentation of the Soroptimist donation check to the Nathan Littauer Hospital Foundation. Debra Finkle, Chair of the Nathan Littauer Foundation thanked Drue Wallach and Lisa Queeney of the Soroptimist Finance/Ways & Means Committee, for spearheading this project, as well as the entire Finance Committee. Laurie Agee, President of Soroptimist International of Fulton County, also in attendance at the check presentation, along with Vice President Deb Sidney, voiced appreciation to all Soroptimist members for their hard work in making such a valuable contribution to the hospital and to the care of women. Wallach echoed Agee, adding that Fulton County Soroptimist members have been able to contribute in this way and to this extent, not only due to the hard work of Soroptimist members but through the community support given to the Club's many fundraising activities, especially its annual Celebrity Chef Dinner event.

Dr. McBiles concluded, "As I perform a procedure using the technology, I tell my patients about the Soroptimist donation. I think it is important for women to know about their health advocacy and activism in our community."

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About Soroptimist International of Fulton County:

Soroptimist International of Fulton County is a volunteer service organization for business and professional women from both Fulton and Montgomery counties who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in their community and throughout the world. The Fulton County Club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, which was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The local chapter was chartered in 1953 and is one of over three thousand clubs in 125 countries. Soroptimist International is the only women's organization with a voting seat on the United Nations. For more information, please contact SIFC, PO Box 168, Gloversville, NY 12078 or email: sifultoncounty@soroptimist.net.

About Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home:

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Littauer provides the finest in state-of-the-art technology and a caring, dedicated staff of health care professionals. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities we serve. The Littauer medical staff brings amazing technical expertise and competence to the residents of Fulton County and the surrounding communities. To learn more please visit www.nlh.org.