The 16th Annual Gift From The Heart Radiothon is returning to CKBW and Country 100.7 on February 13, 2026.
Last year, our South Shore community rallied with incredible generosity — raising over $171,000 to bring MOLLI technology to South Shore Regional Hospital and revolutionizing breast cancer surgery for local patients. That success proved what we can achieve when we come together with purpose and compassion.
This year, we’re building on that momentum with an even greater mission: to bring Breast MRI technology to the South Shore, expanding access to advanced screening and early detection for women across our region and throughout Nova Scotia. Together, we can ensure that world-class breast cancer care is available close to home, when and where it’s needed most.
We invite you to give a Gift from the Heart to support breast cancer patients at South Shore Regional Hospital. Every gift helps us move closer to providing life-changing care and comfort for our patients.
Increasing Breast MRI Access in Nova Scotia
For many families on the South Shore, facing a possible breast cancer diagnosis already brings enough fear and uncertainty. But for high-risk patients in our community, the journey to answers often begins with a long drive to one of only three hospitals in Nova Scotia equipped to perform breast MRIs.
Last year and this year alone, more than 100 patients from our region had no choice but to travel to Halifax, Sydney, or Yarmouth for imaging that could determine the next steps in their care. And if that MRI revealed something suspicious, the journey still wasn’t over. They had to return home, wait for a new appointment, then make another trip back to South Shore Regional Hospital (SSRH) days or weeks later for a biopsy.
This is what access to breast cancer screening looks like today for many of our neighbours: multiple trips, long waits, mounting anxiety, and care that feels too far away at the moment they need it most.
Breast MRI, recommended for high-risk patients, complements mammograms by providing clearer images, especially for those with dense breast tissue or implants. With this new equipment, including an MRI Breast Coil and Vacuum Assisted Biopsy System, we can offer both MRI and biopsy in one visit, saving patients time and stress.
Local Patient Stories
Read Annette’s Story
“Mom, what’s wrong?” How can I tell my 11, 14 and 17 year old I’ve got breast cancer. That was the beginning. I was 41.
No lump, bump, nipple leakage or changes but a slight ridge that appeared when laying on my side. It’s nothing I was told but we’ll do a mammogram. Breast density Categories A, B, C and D is determined by mammography. Tumours are often invisible in dense tissue Category C and D and mammograms alone are not enough for an accurate diagnosis. I was told my mammogram was clear and I was good to go but my biopsy said otherwise.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ followed by Invasive Lobular Carcinoma spreading to 30% of my lymph nodes which were grossly involved. Not one, but two tumours. Treatments were long and hard and after much advocacy, this now includes an MRI in Yarmouth. This MRI is crucial for accurate and timely diagnosis for patients with dense breasts as well as other diseases.
At a time when patients face life threatening diseases, MRI services in Bridgewater will provide a better quality of cancer care and save lives. I for one, will be forever grateful to my cancer care team who never ceased to advocate for me.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” How can I tell my 11, 14 and 17 year old I’ve go
Read Stephanie’s Story
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 35 years old, my world turned upside down. I am incredibly fortunate to have received the majority of my cancer care at South Shore Regional Hospital. During my breast cancer journey, I learned that I have level D – women with dense breast tissue face both a higher risk of developing cancer and greater difficulty in detecting it through mammography alone.
Because of my breast density, my care team recommended regular MRI screening, but my request was initially denied due to limited access in the province. Determined to ensure I received the care she needed, my doctors advocated on my behalf until I was finally able to secure an appointment — one that required a two-and-a-half-hour drive each way. What should have been a routine screening became an all-day journey marked by stress, expenses, and uncertainty.
Because of my breast density, my care team recommended regular MRI screening, but my request was initially denied due to limited access in the province. Determined to ensure I received the care she needed, my doctors advocated on my behalf until I was finally able to secure an appointment — one that required a two-and-a-half-hour drive each way. What should have been a routine screening became an all-day journey marked by stress, expenses, and uncertainty.
Together, we can change the story for women like me — and for every woman on the South Shore who deserves the best possible care, right here at home.
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