AHS Gala: Raises Funds For New Cancer Machinery And Patient Care

Sonora, CA – “A Night at The Met” was the theme of the Adventist Health Sonora (AHS) Foundation’s annual gala held on Sunday to raise money for local cancer patient needs and funds to update aging cancer equipment.

The event was held at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds and featured an interactive art demonstration and fashion exhibit. The gala raised $178,000 for the Diana J. White Cancer Institute in Sonora. Most of the money raised will be used to purchase a $163,450 new PET/CT machine as the old one is nearing its expected lifespan, and the demand for PET/CT scans is growing, according to hospital officials, as more than 400 new patients are treated at the center annually.

“There are many advantages to investing in a new PET/CT machine, from the dramatically improved imaging capabilities to significantly faster scans and AI features to detect abnormalities,” explains Greg McCulloch, Adventist Health Sonora president. “At the center of all those advantages is our patients and the positive impacts this new technology will have for their experience and outcomes.”

The event also raised $15,050 for the Cancer Patient Support Fund, which helps local cancer patients and their families with transportation, groceries, utility bills, medication co-pays, and more.

“I am continually humbled and inspired by the generosity of our community, especially each year at our gala,” says Andee Keller, AHS philanthropy director. “The support of our donors enables us to bring new and expanded healthcare services to the Mother Lode, and this year’s investment in cancer care technology is another great example of what we can achieve for our community together.”

Additionally, the second annual Distinguished Physician Award went to internal medicine physician Jason Jeffery, MD, who hospital officials say is in honor of his “remarkable impact on his patients’ lives.”