LINKS Charity has raised a total of $1.4 million dollars in the local fight against breast cancer over the past 25 years.

Now in its 26th year, LINKS Charity continues to support UPMC Chautauqua WCA in enhancing local cancer care efforts. LINKS Charity is looking forward to its most ambitious calendar of events and activities yet. The year will be dedicated in memory of Allen Short, executive director of LINKS for 19 years. This year’s events begin with the annual LPGA golf pro-am, golf scramble and celebration auction on July 24-25 and end with the seventh annual LINKS Pink Walk on Oct. 7. Efforts were spearheaded by lead sponsor Truck-Lite and major sponsors Cummins Engine, United Refining Company, The Bilicki Law Firm and Alstar EMS, along with associate sponsors Northwest Insurance Services and Jamestown Savings Bank and many other community volunteers.

LINKS Charity is in the third year of a four-year, $400,000 pledge toward the purchase of the Discovery 630 System that will use less radiation, has better image resolution and shorter exam times, helping in a faster and more accurate diagnosis. The Discovery 630 system will compliment the Digital Mammography unit which is now operational in the Center for Imaging and Medical Arts at WCA.

“We believe that the Discovery 630 System will work in conjunction with the new Digital Mammography suite at UPMC Chautauqua WCA, by boasting lower radiation, increasing image resolution and aiding in earlier and more accurate diagnosis,” said Brad Van Riper, senior vice president for Truck-Lite and executive director for LINKS Charity. “The $400,000 pledge is an aggressive goal, but we are confident that the community will support this effort to more effectively diagnose breast cancer.”

“Once again, LINKS Charity is proving its extraordinary commitment to local cancer care,” said Betsy T. Wright, president/CEO of WCA Hospital. “We are so thankful that through the hard work and generosity of many that the Center for Imaging & Medical Arts at UPMC Chautauqua WCA will stay on the cutting edge of technology which will benefit everyone.”

LINKS Charity, established in 1991, was co-founded by Mary Blair and Sondra Anderson. LINKS Charity continues in its mission to link the community, business, and industry together to enhance local cancer care at UPMC Chautauqua WCA.

To make a tax-deductible gift to support LINKS Charity/Discovery 630, call Megan Barone, UPMC Chautauqua WCA director of development, at 664-8423 or mail a tax-deductible gift to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Office of Development, P.O. Box 840, Jamestown, NY 14702-0840.