The spirit of giving was in record form for the Borgess Tree of Love 2013 campaign, just in time for the holidays.

The Lee Memorial Foundation campaign achieved a record $12,659 in total donations and was proudly supported by a record number of area donors. The fall campaign’s goal was $8,000.

“The community truly embraced the Tree of Love campaign,” said Karen Judd, president of the Lee Memorial Foundation Board of Trustees. “We are thankful to the more than 100 donors who wanted to ensure that women with low incomes receive diagnostic mammography services at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.”

“One out of every eight women – mothers, sisters, daughters, coworkers, friends and neighbors – will develop breast cancer during their lifetime,” said Beth Cripe, development coordinator, Lee Memorial Foundation. “When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 98 percent. National data show one in five women in Cass County don’t have insurance for detection and diagnostic mammography services. Thanks to the community, we have a better chance to help these women beat the odds.”

Lee Memorial Foundation sponsors for the campaign included the following organizations and individuals: Pink Ribbon Donor – 100 Women Who Care; Tree Donor – First Source Bank; Luminary Donors – Hospital Sleep Services, Stephen E. Jefferson, MD, The Marshall Shoppe; and Angel Donors – Creative Vinyl Signs, Dr. Matthew and Beth Cripe, Alice Doe, MD, Hale’s True Value Hardware, IBID County Electric, and Richard and Sue McCormick/Preferred Printing, Inc.

Since 1985, donors have supported the Borgess Tree of Love campaign so that countless women receive free diagnostic mammography services to identify breast cancer. The campaign also provides an opportunity for donors to honor employees, colleagues, family and friends.

Since 1972, the Borgess Foundation has continued the rich tradition of philanthropy in support of health care and related services at Borgess. The Foundation’s primary focus is on assisting essential Borgess projects that connect with people at many different levels to foster an environment for better healing.

The Tree of Love campaign continues to welcome donors. Donor forms are available for mail-in contributions by calling the Lee Memorial Foundation at 269-783-3026.