Cascade Medical Foundation completes $125,000 endoscopy equipment campaign

LEAVENWORTH — Cascade Medical Foundation has completed a $125,000 fundraising campaign to purchase new endoscopy equipment for Cascade Medical, reaching its goal two months ahead of schedule.

Foundation board members and members of Dr. Tony Butruille’s endoscopy team marked the campaign's completion Oct. 21 with a ceremonial check presentation.

The new equipment, expected to be in use by late November, includes an ultra-high-definition video system, a new endoscope, two colonoscopes and a large-wheel patient stretcher.

According to the foundation, the upgrades are intended to improve diagnostic accuracy, patient safety and access to gastrointestinal care for Upper Valley residents.

The fundraising campaign began in November 2025 with a grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Washington's Upper Valley Legacy Fund. Contributions from community members continued through the holiday season and into early 2026.

Local businesses supported the effort through sponsorships of the foundation's annual golf tournament in June and concert fundraiser in August. Additional funding came from Benevolent Night hosts and individual donors throughout the spring and summer.

“Thank you to everyone who supported this project through events, donations and sponsorships,” said Cascade Medical Foundation Board Chairman Rich Adamson. “Because of your generosity, patients in our community have access to advanced technology and high-quality care without leaving the valley.”

The campaign continued despite concerns about the potential effects of significant storm damage in the region last December. According to the foundation, uncertainty surrounding the disaster initially raised questions about how community fundraising efforts might be affected.

The equipment purchase comes as Cascade Medical experiences increasing demand for endoscopy services.

Endoscopies and colonoscopies are used to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions and screen for diseases, including colorectal cancer. Cascade Medical has provided the services for more than 20 years.

In early 2026, the hospital added a second endoscopy procedure day each week to accommodate growing patient demand. The change doubled procedure capacity and reduced appointment wait times, according to the foundation.

The new equipment is expected to support the expanded schedule and provide updated technology for patients receiving care locally.

“The completion of this project reflects what is possible when a community comes together around a shared goal,” Adamson said. “Every donor, sponsor and event participant helped make this investment in local health care a reality.”

With the endoscopy campaign completed, the foundation has begun another fundraising initiative aimed at purchasing a new 3D mammography system for Cascade Medical in 2027.

The initiative, called "Give Her 5 Seconds," is the foundation's next equipment fundraising project.