Western Missouri Medical Center celebrates breast imaging upgrades
Published 7:30 pm Friday, October 30, 2026
WARRENSBURG — Western Missouri Medical Center showcased its new breast imaging technology to the community Thursday, Oct. 29.
The improvements are part of the Empower Through Early Detection campaign. The project in WMMC’s Diagnostic Imaging Department totaled $880,000, including $855,000 raised through WMMC Foundation donor support.
WMMC celebrated the milestone with a Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting.
“Today is about more than the equipment,” WMMC Foundation President Greg Hall said. “But helping women access important screenings, supporting early detection and making sure our community has the resources that it needs.”
The project includes a Fujifilm ASPIRE Cristalle 3D Mammography System, a Samsung RS85 Prestige Ultrasound System and a Fujifilm 3D Mammography System with Stereotactic Biopsy Capabilities.
The Stereotactic service is a feature returning to WMMC’s in-house capabilities. It will become available to patients in early 2027.
WMMC Foundation Executive Director Tara Carlyle credited Rich and Debbie Lawson for their dollar-for-dollar match from the 2026 Day of Giving. A previous release from WMMC indicates that with their match, the day raised $48,075.66.
The project also received a $50,000 anonymous donation that helped the campaign reach its $850,000 goal.
“It makes a difference when people speak up and show their interest and that they’re committed to what we’re doing,” Carlyle said.
Suzanne Brown is a breast cancer survivor who experienced care at WMMC with a mammogram shortly after her family relocated to Warrensburg in July 2023.
“The appointment led to a breast cancer diagnosis and a journey that eventually changed my life,” Brown said. “I went through chemotherapy, surgery, genetic testing and through it all, the team here at Western Missouri Medical Center provided care and compassion that meant so much to me and my family. I will always be grateful for the people that supported me through the toughest times in my life.”
Brown now uses her cancer fight as a way to raise awareness about the importance of screening.
“I know how easy it is to put those appointments off – I did it myself,” Brown said. “I also know how important it is to pay attention to changes with your body, keep up with the recommended screenings and seek answers when something doesn’t feel right. That’s why today means so much to me. I’ve experienced firsthand how much it is to have your breast imaging done. I know the importance it makes to have access to care and obtain support along the way.”
Carlyle credited the WMMC mammography team for their patient care. Jake Corson, who is also on the WMMC Foundation Board, is WMMC’s Director of Diagnostic Imaging.
“They are so committed to making this such a special place to be,” Carlyle said. “[They] are so important to what happens here. You can get a mammogram done anywhere, but [they] are the ones that hold [the patient’s] hand, that makes them feel reassured, that calm their nerves. Something that is already so scary, before you even know if there’s really anything to be scared about. Sometimes they’re the first face you see when something’s wrong.”
Carlyle said Brown’s story has served as the forefront to the Empower Through Early Detection Campaign.
“She’s been the face of it now – unintentionally,” Carlyle said. “She’s been fighting, advocating, speaking and that has meant the world to us. It does put a face to what’s happening – and just letting women know every single day the importance of it.”
Carlyle also mentioned Ladies’ Night Out, where Brown shared her story in 2025.
The 14th Annual Ladies’ Night Out was held Oct. 14 at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center.
The two initiatives, Carlyle said, showcase WMMC’s investment in raising breast cancer awareness.
Since Ladies’ Night Out began, WMMC has more than doubled mammograms occurring in the community.
“This investment really adds on to the commitment that we’ve invested into the community,” Carlyle said. “Fourteen years ago, we started Ladies’ Night Out. The reason was simple. We were having high, late-stage breast cancer diagnoses. That meant people weren’t getting screened soon enough; they weren’t getting it checked and we needed to help to make a difference. We felt that was a part of the mission.”
Those wanting to schedule a mammogram at WMMC can call (660) 262-7370 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to make an appointment.
Joe Andrews can be reached at 660-747-8123.
