New London.  Dartmouth Health member New London Hospital (NLH) is pleased to announce the 98th Hospital Days fundraising initiative, bolstered by a $100,000 matching gift from The Burkehaven Family Foundation, aimed at supporting the prevention and detection of breast cancer.

This year’s fundraising initiative is dedicated to advancing breast health at NLH and in the Kearsarge and Lake Sunapee regions. The funds raised will enable NLH to offer advanced breast biopsy technology procedures for the prevention and detection of breast cancer: vacuum-assisted and stereotactic breast biopsies.

“By incorporating vacuum-assisted and stereotactic biopsies into our breast health continuum of care, NLH will have the capacity to perform these procedures in-house, reducing the need for patient referrals and streamlining the diagnostic process,” said NLH radiology director Bonnie L. Smith.

“The opportunity to partner with NLH and the community to bring this much-needed equipment to the region is very meaningful. So many of us either know or have known someone whose life has been touched by breast cancer. We hope this gift inspires others to give generously to support this initiative,” said Irfan Alibhai, representing The Burkehaven Family Foundation.

Gifts made to the Hospital Days fundraising initiative to advance breast health care at NLH will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000. “The total cost for the vacuum-assisted and stereotactic equipment, along with associated accessories, is nearly $200,000,” Smith said. 

“We are so grateful for The Burkehaven Family Foundation’s generous gift to encourage additional donations to this initiative and help us bring this critical equipment to the community. This investment will provide access to compassionate, cutting-edge breast health care. This integrated approach ensures that we’re not just investing in equipment, but in the community’s well-being.”

Scheduled for Thursday, August 1, through Saturday, August 3, Hospital Days will kick off with a community forum featuring NLH’s interim CEO and president, Lauren A. Geddes Wirth, MD. This year’s Hospital Days will also feature traditional activities, including the Midway and parade, complemented by numerous family-friendly activities on Friday and Saturday. The community is invited to attend Hospital Days and to begin planning creative contributions for this year’s parade theme, “Summer Games — Road to New London.” 

For additional information on the Hospital Days schedule, to register for the parade, and to donate or sponsor activities to benefit breast health in our community, visit NLH’s Hospital Days website at www.newlondonhospital.org/hospitaldays. Questions can be directed to Community Relations at community.relations@nullnewlondonhospital.org.