$60,000 Pledge Brings Advanced Cancer Treatment Technology to West Branch
Cancer patients in the West Branch area now have access to more advanced treatment options close to home thanks to a $60,000 donation from the MyMichigan Health Foundation. From left to right: Rick Bowen, director of clinical operations; Dr. Muayad Almahariq, radiation oncologist; Rachel Rosales, radiation therapist; Nicole Dault, radiation therapist; Kelsey Killinger, director of fund development; Shawna Buda, supervisor of radiation oncology; Ray Stover, Medical Center president; Nick Myziuk, physicist; Jessica Jean, radiation therapist; Kelly Tomczak, registered nurse; Deanna Salo, radiation therapist, and Miranda Fetters, registered nurse.
Cancer patients in the West Branch area now have access to more advanced treatment options close to home thanks to a $60,000 donation from the MyMichigan Health Foundation.
The funds, raised through the annual Tee Off for Tolfree golf outing, helped purchase a state-of-the-art Zephyr procedure table, enabling MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch to expand its brachytherapy services, a highly targeted form of radiation therapy.
“It’s inspiring to see how community support can lead to real, meaningful change,” said Kelsey Killinger, Director of MyMichigan Health Foundation. “Because of our donors and the success of events like Tee Off for Tolfree, we’re able to bring advanced treatments directly to the people who need them, right here in West Branch.”
Brachytherapy delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. It’s commonly used to treat gynecologic and non-melanoma skin cancers and is known for fewer side effects, shorter recovery times, and strong outcomes.
With the new Zephyr table, the care team can now perform procedures like internal applicator placement in the CT simulation room, capture precise 3D imaging for treatment planning, and transfer patients safely to the brachytherapy suite without disrupting the treatment setup.
“This addition allows us to offer a much higher level of precision and comfort in our cancer care,” said Shawna Buda, Supervisor of Radiation Oncology in West Branch. “Patients can now receive the same advanced treatment they’d find in larger cities, without the need to travel far.”
Cylinder brachytherapy, often used for cervical and endometrial cancers, targets the tumor area while protecting nearby organs. Skin brachytherapy uses personalized applicators and imaging to treat skin cancers accurately, helping preserve both healthy tissue and cosmetic appearance.
“This is a meaningful step forward for cancer care in our region,” said Ray Stover, President of MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch. “Being able to offer specialized services locally not only improves care, it eases the burden for patients and families during an already difficult time.”
The new technology is part of MyMichigan’s broader mission to expand access to high-quality care closer to home for community members.
“No one should have to choose between getting expert cancer care and staying close to their support system,” added Stover. “Thanks to the generosity of our Foundation and community, they no longer have to.”
To learn more about the MyMichigan Health Foundation or support future projects like this one, visit www.mymichigan.org/foundation.
