For Immediate Release

Contact:

Bobby Maldonado

248-858-6662

Bobby.Maldonado@stjoeshealth.org

May 30, 2019

Photo Caption: (From left to right) Peter Feeney, auction co-chair; Patti Feeney, auction co-chair; Nancy Graebner, president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea; and Mark Sundling.

Funds earmarked for enhancement of campus walking paths and purchase of advanced cancer-fighting technology

CHELSEA, Mich. (May 30, 2019) – St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea announced that it has raised more than one million dollars from the hospital's 34 annual charity auction, Denim & Diamonds 2019, held earlier this month at Zingerman's Cornman Farms in Dexter.

"Funds generated from this year's auction reflect our community's generosity and love," said Nancy Graebner, president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. "This money will be put to good use and will have a meaningful impact on the future care of patients and their families."

Donations have been earmarked to support two hospital priorities: the expansion and enhancement of the hospital's tree-lined scenic walking paths, which includes more routes, signage and lighting to help sustain the campus as a haven for fitness and wellness, and the purchase of an additional Digital Breast Tomosynthesis unit, a revolutionary 3-D screening and diagnostic tool that offers the latest in mammography to detect breast cancer in the earliest, most treatable stages.

"Chelsea truly is one of the most giving and compassionate communities in America," said Judy Stratman, director of Development at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. "From business leaders to civic leaders to friends, family and neighbors, everyone came together to support their community hospital."

"We are overwhelmed by the support and generosity displayed at this year's charity auction," said Peter and Patti Feeney, co-chairs of this year's auction. "Together we have ensured that patients will continue to receive high quality care right here in our community."

The addition of a second Digital Breast Tomosynthesis unit at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea's Cancer Center will benefit patients significantly. The cancer center enables local residents to receive a wide range of cancer treatments -- from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation -- all under one roof, close to home. Patients also have access to national research trials and, if needed, advanced minimally invasive technology at nearby St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, including Cyberknife® and the da Vinci® robot. In addition, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea's Cancer Center offers a variety of cancer classes, events, support groups and other specialty services.

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About St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea

St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea (SJMC) is a not-for-profit joint venture hospital, whose partners are Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, a member of national Catholic health care system Trinity Health based in Livonia, Mich., and Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan. Founded in 1970, SJMC is nationally recognized for both quality of care and patient satisfaction by national ranking organization Press Ganey, and is accredited by the Joint Commission. SJMC employs more than 1,200 individuals with a medical staff of approximately 600 physicians. Key services include robust medical and surgical service lines, six operating rooms, a 24-hour emergency department and senior emergency room, a state-of-the-art cancer center, a physical medicine and rehabilitation department, a comprehensive head pain treatment unit and behavioral health services.