A group of Grande Prairie women who have gone through, or are going through, breast cancer treatment have come together to try to help those who will fight the same fight.
The Mozart Mission looks to raise funds to bring the MOZART 3D Surgical System to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital. The system allows the surgeon to visualize the tumour right in the operating room, which no other available technology allows.
Mozart Mission Cofounder Alison Bergsma is a breast cancer survivor and says it’s important for her and others in the organization to get the best care for those who need it close to home. She adds that when the idea for the group was first broached, many were ready to jump in and lend a hand in any way they could.
“Going through breast cancer treatment is a scary thing; it’s super emotional and putting yourself out is kind of a big deal. But, all of our team members are committed and we want to help everybody,” she says.
“The overall feeling is we know what it’s like to go through and just the support and we are working so hard to get the best care that is available.”
In addition to donations of $20,000 or more from Arc Resources and the County of Grande Prairie, as well as large donations from other local organizations, they’ve also received a staggering $100,000 from the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation. Bergsma says she is blown away by the generosity shown by the community as a whole.
“It’s so important to us, and it seems to have really taken off, and the momentum is growing and we are just so grateful,” she adds.
The Mozart Mission’s overall goal is to raise $275,000 for the Mozart 3D system, but Bergsma says if they go over that threshold, the money will stay in the community and be put toward the cancer clinic. You can find more information about the Mozart Mission here.