Around the Corner

Summit Cancer Centers to offer colorectal treatment trial

Summit Cancer Center will offer a targeted clinical trial focusing on colorectal cancers with BRAF gene mutations, known to be resistant or to recur after chemotherapy. The treatment molecularly inhibits the BRAF mutation, offering an alternative to conventional chemotherapy.

This molecularly targeted clinical trial is only available at a limited number of centers in the United States, according to Summit new release. Summit is the first cancer center in a six-state region – Washington, Hawaii, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming – where this trial is open. Because of the success of the trial, a site has since opened in Seattle.

A member of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Summit operates treatment centers locally in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Post Falls and Boise.

Sacred Heart Children’s receives $144,500 from Walmart effort

Associates of Walmart and Sam’s Club raised $144,561 for Spokane’s Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

The money will be used for technology, equipment and tools to help children in the hospital continue to have childhood experiences, including art therapy programs, playroom toys and games, according to a Walmart news release. The donation was part of a national effort to support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals that raised nearly $35 million to support 170 hospitals that treat 10 million children annually across the country.

Master Gardener receive BECU grant

The Master Gardener Foundation of Spokane County has received a Community Benefit Award of $15,000 from BECU’s People Helping People foundation.

The Master Gardener Foundation plans to use the money to offer free gardening classes, mentorship and to purchase tools and supplies, according to a BECU news release. BECU has awarded grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 to 18 nonprofits across the region. The awards recognize nonprofits that BECU members have nominated and support with time and donations.