Safeway's gift supports mobile-mammography clinic

A gift of more than $800,000 from the Seattle division of Safeway Inc. to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance will bring a mobile-mammography clinic with the latest diagnostic-technology tools to women who may not otherwise receive screening for breast cancer.

Safeway's Seattle division president, Greg Sparks, announced the gift last month. Employees and customers donated the funds through a companywide campaign.

"We are extremely grateful to Safeway for its generous and visionary support of breast-cancer diagnosis and treatment," said Dr. Connie Lehman, director of breast imaging at the SCCA. Starting later this year, the clinic on wheels will reach women who lack easy access to mammograms due to transportation, child care, work or other issues. The van will accommodate up to 35 women a day and will have the most up-to-date digital technology.