The journey of breast health in Thurston County, Washington, is a testament to the community’s resilience and commitment to improving healthcare access. In 2013, Lara Anderson and her husband Scott were raising their two elementary-aged boys when a routine mammogram revealed a suspicious mass, abruptly halting their routine. Now, twelve years later, Anderson remains cancer-free and more committed than ever to advocating for comprehensive breast health services, locally.

Reflecting on her past experience, Anderson noted, “It’s actually surreal when I look back on it. I remember thinking how young my boys were, and how badly they needed me to be healthy.”

It took swift and effective medical intervention to alleviate Anderson’s anxiety: a biopsy, followed by a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. Weeks of grappling with uncertainty culminated in timely medical treatment which saved her life.

“I really do believe that health care is a human right, and everybody should be able to get the same quality of care,” Anderson remarked with unwavering conviction.

Identifying a Community Need

For women in Thurston County, breast cancer is a grim reality; it is the most common form of cancer, affecting one of every eight women nationally. Early diagnosis, facilitated by timely access to screenings and diagnostic tools, is crucial. Nationally, the five-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed at an early stage is 99%. But in Thurston County, women face significant barriers. Women often must wait two to three months for an initial screening mammogram and traveling to Tacoma or Seattle frequently is needed for specialized follow-up appointments, like a stereotactic breast biopsy.

In the wake of growing health services needs, Thurston County’s population increased by over 50,000 residents since 2010, and is estimated to add more than 25,000 more by 2030, according to the state’s Office of Financial Management. Capital Medical Center is poised to address the escalating healthcare need in collaboration with the recently opened MultiCare Cancer Institute. Bart Thompson, imaging services manager at MultiCare Capital Medical Center, emphasized, “The challenge in our community is we don’t have adequate access to care.”

Creating a New Normal for Women

To mitigate these health disparities, stewards of the community have raised over $1 million in support for a new comprehensive breast health center, the first of its kind in the region. The center will be located next to the MultiCare Capital Women’s Integrated Primary Care, which opened in 2023. Capital Foundation’s executive director, Cecelia Loveless, highlighted, “This is a critical part of a vision to create space for women’s health that is all inclusive. It’s another step that ensures when women come in for their primary care, they can just walk across the hall and get a screening. “

Some of the latest advancements in women’s health features at the new center is a standalone building which will feature additional 3D mammography machine and a state-of-the-art stereotactic biopsy system will be fully integrated. Another notable component of the enhanced efforts to provide revolutionary breast health services is the breast health navigator program.

From Patient to Advocate: Leading the Charge for Improved Healthcare

Anderson is made it her mission to advance local healthcare infrastructure.

In 2024, Anderson began working with the hospital to curate a collection of donor-funded artwork for the new Capital Women’s Health Clinic, where she was enchanted by the institution’s commitment to advancing women’s health.

Inspired by her personal journey with breast cancer and motivated by the vision for this building, Anderson created another artwork to raise funds for the new establishment a stunning collection of cherry blossom tiles.

Underneath Anderson’s artisan wooden frame, those donating substantial sums to the center are presented with cherry blossoms as a symbol of gratitude. “It was the connectivity of our community that inspired the piece,” Anderson noted with hope. “People are committed to this breast health center and committed to people’s health care and improving it for others. We’re all connected.”

Carrying On a Timeless Legacy

Modern advancements in women’s health at Capital Medical Center can be traced back to the founding of the medical center in 1984 by Angela J. Bowen, MD. Bowen’s legacy persists today, bolstered by the combined efforts of the Foundation, members of the donor community, and residents all of whom have come together to strengthen the health of the county.

“The center is a product of the community’s desire,” said Cecelia Loveless, “They came together and said, ‘This is a necessary priority.’”

The Funding Dilemma: Philanthropy vs. Government Funding

With part of the planning budget fast-tracked and the center set to open later this year, the Foundation continues to raise funds. Without philanthropy, the project would not have come so far, according to the hospital and foundation executives. Nonetheless, some local residents and healthcare professionals have questioned the longer-term viability, economic sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of relying heavily on philanthropy rather than implementing broader government or crowd-funding avenues or incentivizing corporations to increase community health spheres of impact.

Anderson, however, remains resolute “It’s how you show love for your community. It’s going to add an essence to what we already have, make it greater than before. Shedding light on the broader perspective, other healthcare professionals, policymakers, and philanthropists are encouraged to take proactive steps to ensure sustainable breast health care within the community.”

The implications of this project extend far beyond Thurston County. By improving access to high-quality and coordinated healthcare, this initiative sets a benchmark for other communities aiming to replicate or adapt the model to their local contexts. Furthermore, it underscores the transformative power of community-driven efforts in closing the gaps in healthcare disparities and fostering a culture of shared responsibility and compassion.