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Lilli Rey, surrounded by her family

“I learned that no matter what you have to spare, you can give back and make a difference.”

Thanks to Lilli Rey, San Mateo Medical Center will be purchasing and installing a new breast ultrasound machine. The ultrasound is an essential non- invasive procedure that is often recommended after a “suspicious” mammogram. New technology has dramatically improved the quality of the exam, allowing the radiologist to make a more accurate diagnosis, often saving the patient the time, risk and anxiety of an invasive procedure as well as saving lives. The new ultrasound will be used to guide a needle during a biopsy and can also be used for abdominal or ob procedures. Currently, there is up to a three-month wait for patients to have an ultrasound procedure. The new equipment will alleviate the wait time, along with the anxiety and turmoil that accompanies it.

“We did not have a lot to give away when I was growing up, I watched my mother struggle to make ends meet. I volunteered at the local hospital when I was a teen and ended up getting a job in the cafeteria. When I was much older it was impressive to see the list of organizations my father managed to support; his emphasis was the environment. I learned that no matter what you have to spare, you can give back and make a difference. I feel extremely fortunate now to be in a position where I can support the things I care about… which include healthcare, women and the community,” Lilli stated when asked the reasons for her gift. “A few years ago, I faced the challenging experience where I needed a needle biopsy with ultrasound after a suspicious mammogram. At that time, I took it for granted that I would be treated and taken care of all the way to resolution. None of it was pleasant other than the overwhelming relief of the outcome that all was benign. Some time after, I learned the harsh reality that such care isn’t available for all women, a fact I found both astounding, and unacceptable. So recently, as I have been getting more acquainted with the San Mateo County Health Foundation, this opportunity to help in such a personal and meaningful way presented itself. People talk about giving back and that has many different definitions; it is important that each of us figures out how to do that, whether it is by giving time, money, ideas, or even stuff to something they believe in. I feel extremely fortunate that I got to do just that. I am excited that this gift will help provide the women of our community with the additional resource needed for their complete breast health. Maybe it will inspire others to join me as well!”

Supporting women’s breast health is one of the highest Foundation priorities. Currently, approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection of breast cancer, particularly through yearly mammography after age 40, offers the best chance of survival. Ninety-six percent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years. Technology has improved significantly in the past several years, and we want to be able to provide our patients with the greatest chances for early detection and survival. We are so grateful to Lilli Rey to providing this gift to the Foundation and to all women of our community.