By Kathy Engle, Vitals contributor

Have you ever wondered how a donation at a grocery store check-out counter can make a difference in someone’s life? Each year, the Safeway Foundation hosts its Cancer Research and Treatment campaign to support breast cancer research and services. Gifts from that program go directly into patient care supporting cancer screening, diagnosis, navigation and treatment services across health systems, including California-based Sutter Health.

Ramona Villanueva

“I truly thank god and the community donors from the bottom of my heart who have followed their hearts and given to help people like me,” says Ramona Villanueva, a Bay Area breast cancer survivor who was able to receive a mammogram at Sutter Mills-Peninsula Medical Center even though she did not have health insurance.

This year, generous Safeway shoppers will help many more people like Villanueva access high-quality breast cancer screening, care and support services by giving $97,500 to six Sutter care centers including Sutter Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Sutter Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, Sutter Roseville Medical Center, Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group Santa Cruz and Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

Women have a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and Sutter Health is committed to increasing the detection and prevention of the disease as well as the survival rates for patients.

“It is so meaningful to us that Safeway shoppers in the communities we serve generously donate each year at their local stores to support our cancer services,” Raya Elias-Petros, chief philanthropy officer for Sutter Health says. “We’ve been partnering with Safeway for two decades in support of breast cancer screening, treatment and research helping Sutter extend its reach, enhance patient care and fuel healthier futures for all.”