MOSES LAKE - Samaritan Healthcare patients could have a new friend on their side in 2009 to help locate breast cancer.

The Samaritan Healthcare Foundation is kicking off a fund-raising campaign for a new digital mammography machine, with a Sept. 11 golf tournament.

Expected to raise $15,000, the tournament is already sold out, said Foundation Executive Director Dave Campbell.

All the proceeds from the annual golf tournament are earmarked for the digital mammography machine.

"That's why it's sold out much earlier than it's ever sold out in the past," Campbell said.

Foundation board President Mark Roeber said the machine is expected to cost approximately $500,000. The foundation hopes to raise the funds by the end of the 16-month campaign.

As of Aug. 6, $203,000 was raised.

Campbell said the goal is to have the service in place by 2009.

"I think (cancer) touches so many people's lives, that (we) should be successful in raising the money that we need," Foundation board Vice President Linnette Pearce said.

Pearce said the machine offers early detection.

Samaritan Healthcare currently uses a machine with film.

If an image taken with film is unsuitable, a new photo must be taken, Roeber said. With digital machines, a physician can see instantly whether a picture is suitable. A physician can adjust the images as well.

Roeber said digital mammography machines are more efficient and more accurate than traditional film.

"If a woman chooses to have a digital mammogram, she has to travel at least to the Tri-Cities or Spokane for that technology," Campbell said.

All the hospital's radiology services were converted to digital in 2004, except mammography, Campbell noted. At the time, the cost was prohibitive, he said.

Roeber said the foundation wanted to take on an important project the hospital could not afford in their budget.

"The hospital feels it's of issue, it's relevant to our community," he said.

Campbell said any donation amount, regardless of size, is important to the project.

To donate, call 509-764-2904.