When Marie Villeneuve stepped into the mammography suite this June, it wasn't just another appointment. It marked a milestone for both Marie and St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH).

She became the first patient to receive a mammogram on SFMH's new mammography unit, made possible through the generosity of donors to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF).

For Marie, the moment was especially meaningful.

"I could immediately see the difference in the image quality," she said. "The clarity is remarkable."

SFMH partnered with Renfrew Victoria Hospital in 2000 to become a satellite site of the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). SFMH received its first mammography machine, an analogue unit that used film processing. Then in the Spring of 2012, thanks to the help of generous donors, it was replaced with the current model of the day.

As the years passed and technology evolved, it became apparent that a new mammography machine would be required to reduce equipment downtime. In 2024, the SFVH Foundation began raising funds to reach its goal of $336,000 to pay for a new unit.

A FAMILIAR FACE

Marie is no stranger to the OBSP program, in fact, she was a familiar face in SFMH’s mammography unit, where she worked as a Nurse Examiner for many years. She guided women through breast health education, performed clinical breast exams, answered questions, eased fears, and encouraged women to make screening a priority.

"We saw up to 20 women a day. Women came from all over because they knew they could receive this service close to home,” Marie recalled. "It wasn't just about doing the exam. It was about teaching patients, helping them understand their bodies, and making them feel comfortable."

After retiring from St. Francis Memorial Hospital in 2017, Marie continued following the advice she had shared with so many others: never skip your routine mammogram.

Just five months into retirement, a routine screening detected an abnormality. Further testing confirmed breast cancer.

"I never expected it," she said. "I went in thinking it was just another mammogram."

Although her cancer was caught early, Marie underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Today, she returns to St. Francis every year for her annual mammogram.

This year, that experience looked very different.

DONOR DOLLARS IN ACTION

In June 2026, thanks to the generosity of donors to the SFVH Foundation, the hospital welcomed a new state-of-the-art mammography unit, bringing clearer imaging and enhanced technology to women in our community.

“Since introducing our new mammography system, patients have consistently told us that the experience feels more comfortable and less stressful,” said Amanda Dumas, Charge Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. “The machine's ergonomic design, soothing environment, and efficient imaging help create a better experience from start to finish. As a team, we are proud to work with technology that enhances both patient care and workflow, but even more proud that our community came together to make this investment possible. It is a privilege to provide this level of care to the women of our region."

The new system provides exceptionally clear images, helping radiologists detect abnormalities more effectively and potentially reducing the need for some patients to travel outside the community for follow-up imaging.

Suzanne Madore is the Integrated President and CEO at St. Francis Memorial Hospital and Renfrew Victoria Hospital.
“This investment reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centred care close to home,” Suzanne said. “By bringing advanced mammography technology to St. Francis Memorial Hospital, we are improving access to an important diagnostic tool.  SFMH is a strong supporter of routine breast cancer screening for patients in our region. We are grateful to our donors for helping make this important milestone possible.”

For the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, this milestone reflects what can happen when a community comes together to support local healthcare.

"Marie’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact donor generosity has on healthcare close to home," said Erin Gienow, Executive Director of the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. "Every gift helped make this possible. Because of our donors, patients and families in our region now have access to leading-edge breast imaging technology close to home. Thank you for investing in local healthcare and helping ensure patients receive the care they need, when they need it."

For Marie, who spent years encouraging women to prioritize routine screening before becoming a patient herself, seeing this new technology in action is deeply meaningful.

"It saves lives."

Thank you to the donors who made the purchase of this Mammography Machine possible, including: (click each photo for more information)