Targeted Philanthropy

In January 2008, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of one grateful donor, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) became the first health care organization in the world to acquire breakthrough technology for treating cancerous tumors.

The high-definition multileaf collimator (HD120 MLC) is part of the Novalis Tx® radiosurgery system from Varian Medical Systems and BrainLAB. The HD120 MLC – the centerpiece of a new radiosurgery program established at PAMF in June 2008 – provides a non-invasive method of delivering high doses of radiation to tumors that are very small while protecting healthy tissues. With its ultra-fine, beam-shaping capabilities, the HD120 MLC is particularly useful for treating brain and spinal tumors.

“This technology gives our physicians the confidence and precision to target tumors that were once considered untreatable due to their location in the body,” said Dr. Gordon Ray, head of PAMF’s Department of Radiation Oncology. “Most treatments can be completed in about 30 minutes using what is essentially a microphoton scalpel. Because the procedure is non-invasive, patients can go home and
resume their normal activities.”

Acquisition of the HD120 MLC was made possible through an innovative philanthropic partnership that engages PAMF donors in giving opportunities that are personally meaningful to them. In this case, a patient who was successfully treated for cancer at PAMF chose to express her gratitude through philanthropy. “I made this gift in memory of my late husband, with whom I shared a long and happy life over 60 years of marriage,” said the donor, who requested anonymity. “My hope is that PAMF’s physicians will carry on his legacy by helping many cancer patients in the years to come.”

Dr. Ray described his gratitude for being able to practice in a group practice setting that allows physicians to deliver care in a very personalized way using some of the world’s most advanced technologies. “My own life has been greatly enriched by the courage and grace with which my patients have faced a potentially fatal disease,” said Dr. Ray. “The mutual gratitude we share often transcends the normal doctor-patient relationship and, in some cases, inspires a philanthropic partnership. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to provide our cancer patients with the best opportunity to achieve a cure.”

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