The West Valley Hospital Foundation received a $90,000 grant to be used for a breast cancer screening program at the hospital.

The West Valley Hospital Foundation received a $90,000 grant to be used for a breast cancer screening program at the hospital. $80,000 of the grant will be used to purchase a mammography unit, with $5,000 slated for education materials and the remaining $5,000 to provide financial assistance to women in Polk County who can't afford a mammogram.

"We're excited that the hospital Foundation will not only be able to purchase a state-of-the-art piece of equipment, but also will provide funds to women who haven't been able to get mammogram because of the cost," said Eldon Neufeld, Chair of the West Valley Hospital Foundation board.

The grant came from the Ann and Bill Swindells Charitable Trust, and was made in honor of Tom and Gigi Starbuck in recognition of their long service to the Dallas hospital and the Dallas community.

Thomas Starbuck, who passed away in 2002, was a dentist in Dallas for 42 years, and his wife Gigi currently serves on the West Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. Dr. Starbuck's father, Dr. A.B. Starbuck, was one of four physicians who joined together in 1914 to form a corporation to raise money to build a hospital in Dallas.

"What a fitting tribute to Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Starbuck for their years of service and dedication to not only this community, but also to this community hospital," said Eric Buckland, Vice President and Administrator of West Valley Hospital. "While I didn't have the privilege of knowing Dr. Starbuck, I feel fortunate to know Mrs. Starbuck through her work on the hospital Foundation board."

If you would like more information about the Foundation, call 503-831-3456.